Live 365

Project 365 2010 – Day 365 01/26/2011

f11 1/250 ISO 400 17-55 mm

Well…The 365 is complete. From that day I started I knew this was going to be an adventure. I pushed myself to get through it everyday. There were days when it was 10:30 PM and I hadn’t even touched my camera, there were days when the photo came to me as I took a step out the door. I set off to learn, learn about photography, learn about the camera, to train my eye to see light and to complete a documentation of one year of my life.
Looking back on all of the photos this past week has only caused me to realize how great a year can be. I traveled to a world sporting spectacle, I witnessed the early hours on earth of many young children, I captured fun times with friends & family, tragedy across the globe and documented my engagement to my fantastic and wonderful soon to be wife, Kristin. There could have been years of far less excitement but this was a good year. I decided to finish tonight with a thank you to nearly everyone.
I wanted to thank the 10,906 people who have viewed my blog, the 312 facebook fans who have, liked, commented and suggested to friends so that my photos and words could spread. I want to thank all my clients and brides for taking a risk and leaving your special moments in my hands, the hands of a developing professional, and allowing me to be me. To all my friends thanks for letting the photographer follow you to every party, every bar, every where you might not have wanted a photographer to go, you let me shoot with trust. To my parents, I can’t thank you enough for everything. Your understanding that the camera is the extension of my mind and soul has gone unmatched. You have helped to build an artist and you understand all that it takes to do this. Thanks Mom & Dad. To my two friends who set out with me on this adventure a bit earlier then I, Jeff & Ken, WOW! With out your push, competition, witty remarks and complete desire to finish this project I am not sure any of us would have made it. We learned from each other, we pushed each other but most of all we all took some really amazing and at times, jealousy educing photographs. Kristin, I am not sure there is a person in this world who truly knows what it is like to go though this more then you. You have put up with my wandering mind as I drift off and imagine what that scene over your shoulder might look like. You picked me up when I was frustrated coming home from a gig where I thought I failed. You picked your favorite photos even though, I rarely chose them. You asked me to read to you every night and quickly stated, “the pitchur, the pitchur”. When it was late and you wanted to crawl in bed you waited for me one eye open and always asked “how’d it go?”. When I took the 579 or so photos of you on the couch while i messed with settings, you smile and ignored. When I made a bad face, looking back on a photo of you, because of a poor choice of settings or composition you never got upset. But most of all you were interested all along never wavered. Your interest in me, my business and this crazy project never failed. Thank you Kristin and I Love You. Thank you everyone you have made this one hell of a year!

Project 365 2010 – Day 364 01/25/2011

F3.5 1/200 ISO 2500 70-200 mm

Inspired by a shoot a few nights ago I headed to higher ground. There is something about changing your perspective that quickly makes an image look that much more interesting. I paid for parking and climbed my way to the top of the parking garage. Armed with my telephoto lens I began to hang myself over the edge with care. The world below me knew not of my surroundings but I could get right on top of them. I shot for a while in one location and was sure I got my shot. I turned on my heels and headed back to the car. Just as I slammed the car door I noticed this shot framed perfectly in my side view mirror. I rearmed myself with the camera and stepped out of the warmth of the car. The shot was composed and I knew I just needed to dial it in. The bus raced across the cold highway and the television in the apartment building flickered, there was life above the street line and the sun set on another day in the city. Only one photo to go, this is going to be tough to be satisfied with a shot that finishes this all!

Project 365 2010 – Day 363 01/24/2011

f2.8 1/25 ISO 2400 70-200 mm

The cold can’t stop a tune. Up most of the morning planning my last 3 days of shooting in my head I knew I wanted to shoot some people today. I was heading into Northampton tonight to run an errand and my mind was racing. I knew I needed to get on the streets and start shooting. But it was so cold, 8 degrees in fact.  I took out the telephoto lens and started shooting from the car. Passers by gave me looks and bar dwellers knew none the wiser. I still wasn’t satisfied. I parked the car zipped up my coat to the top and started walking. I couldn’t help but to be drawn to the sound of a strumming guitar over the hum of the frozen traffic. This man has been playing the streets of Northampton for as long as I have known. His spirit is strong and his need to make ends meat is stronger. I approached him mid some dropped a few bucks in his case and asked if I could take a few pictures. In song, through the lyrics he let me know, everything would be alright. I crept back and began to work. My fingers were cold, his breath was spewing from his mouth so lyrically and yet he kept strumming and his fingers sliding. This is the artful human spirit tested and willing to survive!

Project 365 2010 – Day 362 01/23/2011

f4 1/500 ISO 2400 17-55 mm

Its a small critter highway in our backyard apparently. Its fun to see where they crossed paths.

Project 365 2010 – Day 361 01/22/2011

f2.8 1/50 ISO 6400 17-55 mm

Its rare that I sit in the back of car. For one I don’t really fit and two I always drive or I get bored and wicked restless. I was bored and restless after taking a right out of the parking lot, so I started taking pictures. The light was low and I couldn’t find a auto focus for the life of me. I cranked the the ISO and turned the focus ring. Click!

Project 365 2010 – Day 360 01/21/2011

f2.8 1/160 ISO 800 17-55 mm

A walkway of snow over treacherous tracks only speaks of the past through windswept foot prints. The cold was whipping through the city and the desire to leave the comfort of the warm car was lacking. I knew I just had to lace up my boots the extra eyelet and get to stepping. I parked behind a fallen chain link fence and began to follow the footsteps of someone else to a place I had never been before. I have wrote about this before and if you have never done this you should give it a try. The feeling of know exactly where this person went is comforting but not knowing where these steps stop can feel really erie. I like to walk along side of them making my own path for someone else to follow and eventually they disappeared and I had to go on making my own footsteps.

Project 365 2010 – Day 359 01/20/2011

f2.8 1/40 ISO 800 70-200 mm

Its been a long trip and some things can’t be missed along the way. This tower and its colorful doors have been on my list for a while. The first weeks I tried to come up with the best angle. Later in the year I questioned if it was worth it. And these last couple of weeks I knew it was time. I paid my fee, literally, and rode to the to the garage. The drone of 91 hummed over me and I shuffled across the ice. I am pleased with my ability to see a shot, compose with direction and complete.

Project 365 2010 – Day 358 01/19/2011

f2.8 1/160 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

I made a mistake…What a waste!

Project 365 2010 – Day 357 01/18/2011

f2.8 1/100 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

The point in which the liquid turns to a solid is never seen. We see the prior state and witness the current state. Growth and change take time, but often we don’t see realize we are experiencing the change. This project has brought about a great change in my life and the way I view the world. I think perhaps the best part about it is I have reflected on that change daily.

Project 365 2010 – Day 356 01/17/2011

f2.8 1/20 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

Getting through nearly 365 days of photography causes one to come to a conclusion that they can’t all be perfect. As I got in the car on the way home today and played the daily what to shoot game in my head, I couldn’t seem to come up with anything. It was bitter cold and all I wanted to do was get home, change and relax. But alas there is no rest for the artist with a gallery opening in a few weeks. My awesome fiance made a great meal tonight as I worked and when I came down for dinner this beautiful plate was ready for me. Trust me it tasted better then this photo looks. I thought about shooting another one, something else, but you know what, I am done for the night. Tomorrow I will get that awe inspiring shot, but for now I will let the taste be the muse and move on. Its all about the five senses not just one.

Project 365 2010 – Day 355 01/16/2011

f2.8 1/4000 ISO 400 17-55 mm

The New England landscape felt so warm this evening. As the sun set over the distant hills the shadows crawled over the wind swept snow drifts. The blue skies contrasted the white wispy clouds and the naked  fence posts stood guard on their territory like silent sentinels.

Project 365 2010 – Day 354 01/15/2011

f2.8 1/13 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

A tradition that I have been waiting to experience since I heard of its creation. There are places on this earth that celebrate the end of the holidays rather then the beginning. For the first time we were invited to a Christmas tree burning party. On vast acres of land sat a home littered with dark faces milling around with frost on their breath. The yard was dark accept for the bright burning orange glow on the hill. The near 100 Silhouettes huddled around the fire as if it was their life and key to survival. All with a potion of choice in their hands they laughed and spoke with one another. As I hauled the Christmas carcass up the packed snow path I couldn’t help but to be very happy to see such a beautiful death of the holiday season. As soon as the tree was placed near the pile it was quickly snatched up and thrown to its crackling death. What a way to end such a joyous season, with friends, fire and conversation!

Project 365 2010 – Day 353 01/14/2011

f20 1/100 ISO 800 70-200 mm

As I left the driveway the crows flew in a flutter towards the trees. I was going to let them go but I couldn’t help to enjoy their silhouettes against the evening sky. As soon as the camera was out of the bag they were fluttering away. I still managed to capture a few on the branch.

Project 365 2010 – Day 352 01/13/2011

f2.8 1/80 ISO 800 70-200 mm

Somebody’s got some work to do!

Project 365 2010 – Day 351 01/12/2011

f2.8 1/125 ISO 320 17-55 mm

Ahhh a snow day. I don’t think I have had a snow day in a very long time. With the snow dumping over night we awoke to a white thick comforter draped over everything. The snow never really seemed to stop in the daylight hours. I spent a bit of the afternoon shoveling and moving this fluffy but dense mess around. After the work was done it was time to play. While living in an Urban environment trekking off into the snow covered woods can be very difficult to come by. I suited up, fur hat, goggles and all, and stomped my way up the road. I had shot in this location before and was met with incredible surprises before, so I couldn’t help but to be giddy not knowing what these woods would bring. Faced with footprints, I knew I was not the only one to explore this place, feeling disappointed and curious I stomped on through the knee high snow. My eyes covered in a yellow goggle lens, I spotted something moving in the distance. I approached slowly very aware I was not alone. More movement, darting in and out of this abandoned gravel yard. The yelling increased, “I’m hit, I’m hit”, I had walked into a game of airsoft! The local boys had taken to battle in the woods. When the game had ended I made my self present and asked them if I could take a few shots. They posed and I shot back!

Project 365 2010 – Day 350 01/11/2011

f2.8 1/13 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

The Grid.
A digital frontier.
I tried to picture clusters of information as they Moved through the computer.
What do they look like? Ships, motorcycles.
With the circuits like freeways.
I kept dreaming of a world I thought I’d never see.
And then, one day… I got in.

Project 365 2010 – Day 349 01/10/2011

f2.8 1/140 ISO 640 17-55 mm

One day closer to dreams realized. I took my keys tonight, with friends and a dream and headed into a space. That space will be transformed in just a few weeks into a realization of what I thought would take years to come. I must have mentioned about 100 times now that a I have always had such a respect for that wide open white walled space they call a gallery. I think ever since I knew of such a place I found it so comforting to stand in an nearly empty room and look around me only to feel surrounded by the masterful creativity. I wanted to be a part of that space and to see someone go through those same emotions as I do. I have been given an opportunity to do that and see the faces of admirers as they feel my work. I am honored and humbled that someone would surrender such a precious void for me. Tonight I stepped foot in that space and began to plan. Original ideas were broken and new dreams realized, kinks came to fruition and with the help of special friends we talked it out. This is real and its going to be perfect, as I always dreamed. February 18th 2011 you will read this text on a wall next to an image created in the planning phase of the finished space you are standing in today.

Project 365 2010 – Day 348 01/09/2011

f3.5 1/5000 ISO 800 17-55 mm

Today I had an extremely busy day with three photo shoots and a wedding arrangement meeting! Phew I am beat! I started the day at an old friends house from many years ago, we picked up right where we left off and I was welcomed into her family for a morning of fun. We took some shots of her newest son Nate, but then headed outside with her oldest Reid. With a fresh blanket of fallen snow and layers upon layers it was time to play. We ran and laughed, I couldn’t help but to enjoy the view right over him as he made a snow angel. The funny thing about snow angels is they are perfect when you are in them, but as soon as you step out there never seems to be a perfect way to do it. The as seen from above view seemed perfect to capture youth and his creative juices flow as he blasted through the snow. Thanks Megan for a great morning with your Family you all are great!

Project 365 2010 – Day 347 01/08/2011

f2.8 1/80 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

Light and shadow, dark and light, back and white.

Project 365 2010 – Day 346 01/07/2011

f2.8 1/25 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

There are those places that you seek. Sometimes those places have some consequences but none the less the effort takes you there. I was out shooting in a train yard, a place that I find completely fascinating. The space is open and the danger seems everywhere. As I was looming around, I heard the distant sound of a train whistle, turning quickly I realized it was heading my way! I quickly hoped over the steel and wood to safety, turning around the track seemed to light up in the city scape. I couldn’t help but to admire how these steel rails could move such muscle but yet be so beautiful!

Project 365 2010 – Day 345 01/06/2011

f2.8 1/25 ISO 1600 17-55 mm

In the words of Tim The Tool Man Taylor, “More Power, huhh ha huaahh”

Project 365 2010 – Day 344 01/05/2011

f8 1/200 ISO 400 17-55 mm

Its not often in the last year that I was caught without my camera, but it happened. I was on my way home a few days ago from paying my respects at a funeral, my mind seemed to be lost in the cloud of emotion and my eyes were wondering. Over my left shoulder I noticed something resembling a huge demolished doll house. Sure enough upon another quick look it was a home who’s face had been removed. Frustrated that I missed the shot I returned today, knowing full well that when I wanted to take this picture the house would be gone. Half my lunch hour was spent to get there and I was relieved to find it as I remembered. Porcelain throne still secured to the floor, walls papered, the windows treated and blowing in the cold stiff breeze. I couldn’t help but to admire its strangeness, why on earth would the face of a building be removed? I had needed no answer but my discovery was making my giddy. My camera had never felt more comfortable in my hand today and my subject so grand, today was a good photo day.

Project 365 2010 – Day 343 01/04/2011

f5 1/1250 ISO 400 17-55 mm

My heart nearly stopped when I say the news feed crawl across the facebook feed, Indian Orchard Mills Burned. Well I am happy to report that all is good, well sort of. I went to the gallery today, which is in the same complex as the fire, not really sure what to expect when I arrived I was so happy to see the burned corpse not attached to the building my show is in. I picked up the keys today to my dream. I set out in 2010 to show my work in a gallery space, and the realization that I have a solo show is coming to fruition and quickly. The charred corpse outside was a real check on the fact that not even a fire is going to stop this from coming to life. Its on!

Project 365 2010 – Day 342 01/03/2011

f5.6 1/3 ISO 1600 17-55 mm FLASH

I have been scoping this location for a while now and as the project is coming to a close I knew I really need to start hitting my marks. I did a bit of Google stalking to find out how to get to this place I had seen so many times. I arrived as the light was disappearing and I knew it was time to do a bit of flash work. Stalking my prey from around its cage I knew I had to get through the fence. There is nothing like a trespassing to get the blood boiling, with camera in hand it was pumping hard. My face warmed instantly as I scooted across the ice on my knees as not to come to a camera crashing halt, my eyes were on my subject and the flash was firing. The metal petal beauty rises from the concrete in the summer to shower the local kids with fun, but this time of year its as if it is frozen in time. The ice surrounds its stalk and it frigidly stands at attention ready and willing to go back to its task at hand showering the locals with summer.

Project 365 2010 – Day 341 01/02/2011

f2.8 1/60 ISO 1600 17-55 mm

New Years Resolution #? Make one new Recipe a month from this vast collection of cook books that we have acquired and never used. Its just some much easier to google it, right? The spines will be cracked and a bit of oil with grace these pages this year, I hope!

Project 365 2010 – Day 340 01/01/2011

f2.8 1/20 ISO 1250 17-55 mm

Its a New Year and we are ready to get take home the trophy. Well I guess we were. As an avid fan of Connecticut Huskies anything really I had been gearing up for our First BCS game in school history all month. All of the food was prepped, the fridge full of beer and all the tailgate traditions laid out on the table. I couldn’t help but to squeeze this shot off between plays as I realized the long night before had clouded my memory and photo I had not. The Huskies Lost, but it was still a great season and a milestone.

Project 365 2010 – Day 339 12/31/2010

f2.8 1/30 ISO 1250 17-55 mm

Happy New Year’s Eve and what a year it has been. I have set out to achieve many new things this year and I have to say this was the best I had done at even attempting to keep my resolutions past the first 4 days of the year. While many of my resolutions focused around photography, on thing I learned was that through discipline and much understanding I was able to push myself through the tough times. This year was full of new places and discovery, and I can’t wait to see where the next year and Life will take me, I can already tell its going to be a great year. As we prepared ourselves for the evening ahead, I couldn’t help but notice these killer set of heels sitting in the corner next to the beautiful inlay floor. It seemed as if the struggle of today, the need to look good in a set of heels, which I hear isn’t comfortable, and the difficulties of the past, this floor is a work of art and craftsmanship, had met. We were ready to go out and enjoy the last hours of 2010 and do it in style and we did!

Project 365 2010 – Day 338 12/30/2010

f5.6 1/1600 ISO 1250 17-55 mm

There are days when my hands glide over the keys and my mind is in sync with the task at hand. We all have tools of our trades that I am sure go unnoticed as we work. The annoyance was building as the sun falling through the cracks in the blinds distracted me from my goal. I rounded the corner to close the blinds and I couldn’t help but to admire its rays on the desk where the final products come to life. There was nothing to be created but the space of creation seemed to take on a whole new look, what was plain had been illuminated with and drowned with sun creating magnificent shadows and a space ready to be used.

Project 365 2010 – Day 337 12/29/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 1250 17-55 mm

There a few things in life that define a man’s wardrobe. A woman’s closet is littered with all sorts of things that just don’t seem to fit a man for more then one reason. As a man, a wallet, watch and cuff links can define class and style. I have been fortunate enough over the last few years collected quite a collection of vintage and modern cuff links. Until this Christmas they have been in a box mismatched and tangled, but now they sit organized and ready to be used. I look forward to building a collection of cuff links that would make any real fashion minded man jealous.

Project 365 2010 – Day 336 12/28/2010

f2.8 1/40 ISO 1250 17-55 mm

My footsteps of just minutes earlier seemed to be leading me to my photo. Where I had come had become my subject. I didn’t realize when I was there but where I was, was the place to be. I headed back to see if that was the place I had been but suddenly it was the place I was now.

Project 365 2010 – Day 335 12/27/2010

f2.8 1/250 ISO 1250 17-55 mm

Privacy can be a beautiful thing.

Project 365 2010 – Day 334 12/26/2010

f2.8 1/20 ISO 1600 17-55 mm

6 to 12 inches??? What…? That’s right the snow has finally arrived, a bit late for a white Christmas but at least its here! Santa brought me a new camera for Christmas and I can’t wait to photograph the snow tomorrow, but now we rest. Its cold outside but inside is filled with warmth and relaxation.

Project 365 2010 – Day 333 12/25/2010

f2.8 1/80 ISO 1600 17-55 mm

Christmas Day arrives but once a year. Its a day full of happiness, cheer and traditions. The real reason for this season isn’t the gift giving and retail sale but the birth of the one they call christ. While I would never consider myself to be a religious man, there are times in the year when a stop to reflect can be a nearly religious experience. Last night I sat in Mass and Listened to the communities voices join together, I heard wise words from a priest but most of all my thoughts filled my head in a peaceful moment. I asked, for understanding, love, patience, trust and growth. These gifts I knew were in the hands of my actions and true desire to be a better person. We spent the day with each other and those we love so much, Merry Christmas everyone my all your true Christmas wishes come true.

Project 365 2010 – Day 332 12/24/2010

f4.5 1/1600 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

There haven’t been many Christmas’s that I can recall that started with a very relaxing Christmas Eve. This year we made the decision to do just that, we traveled up to Kristin’s families house the evening before and when we awoke we had nothing more to do but relax. We shared many memories of our favorite Christmas’s, our favorite stories, and munched on some special dishes. As we prepared for Mass the light poured through the house and slammed into this snow globe. This globe has a bit of a back story but what couldn’t be ignored is the Christmas light illuminating this decoration and its reflection on the wall. With all of the running around and prep for the holiday, we were ready, Christmas has arrived.

Project 365 2010 – Day 331 12/23/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

There comes a time when it is quick to realize how long its been. You know the feeling of hearing that a small child you once knew is now old enough to drink or that your 10 year high school reunion is right around the corner. Well today was one of those days, Kristin’s high school reunion was tonight and the mental and physical prep was in full gear. As I wait by the door to leave, she was still prepping, so of course I am going to grab some shots of this unsettling moment, like any wedding photographer has come to know shows the most emotion.

Project 365 2010 – Day 330 12/22/2010

f3.5 1/40 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

I can’t even begin to tell you all how thankful I am for the wonderful people around me. I haven’t stopped one bit since Thanksgiving except for about 7 hours on the couch one Sunday. I have cursed all the crazy holidays, the traditions and the amount of buying, giving and wrapping but, there is nothing like a newborn baby to stop the world in it’s tracks, especially this time of year and make you think. Yesterday morning, my best friend and brother from another mother Adam and his awesome wife Lisa welcomed their little boy Jack into this world. The little man came a bit earlier then expected but that’s the way the world works; things happen. You can try and control everything but when the world takes over its best to let it spin and hang on. I met Jack Thomas tonight and what a sight, the little guy was a bit sleepy but still ready to run. His feet pumped and the arms waved, soon after I popped a few hundred shots, It was my turn to hold the little man. The weight of a baby is like nothing else, he was dense with love and his soul seemed to be just under the surface feeding the furnace and warming the world around it. I have never been around so many babies before, its becoming a trend and I have to say, I kinda like it. These last weeks have been tough, trying and downright exhausting, but taking these few hours out of my day have really made me realize how precious life is. We are constantly trying to keep up with the world around us, chasing dreams, but fail to just let it go of all that we cannot control. Jack I just wanted to thank you for bringing such a smile to your Mother & Father’s face, stopping my world for just a moment so that I could realize how good I have it…Thanks Bud, I can’t wait to chill with you! Congrats Adam & Lisa Love you guys!

Project 365 2010 – Day 329 12/21/2010

f2.8 1/8 ISO 800 17-55 mm

Walls are obstacles that can be overcome. Sometimes a need to pave the way and break down those walls is the only option. Other times someone has come before you and paved the way by putting a door in the wall. Either way there is a way to overcome your obstacles. Walking through that door and facing the unknown my be hard but the risk can be worth the reward. Someone paved the way here and is beckoning to its discoverer to pass by and experience what is beyond it…

Project 365 2010 – Day 328 12/20/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 800 17-55 mm

A rare early view inside of Santa’s workshop!

Project 365 2010 – Day 327 12/19/2010

f3.2 1/25 ISO 800 17-55 mm

The parties seem to never stop this time of year. It was the fourth party of the weekend and we were beginning to feel a little ragged. With a couple of cappuccinos downed and a small pep talk, knowing that in a week we could rest we were ready to go. Family arrived and the house was full of laughs and cheers. As we packed up the night I was struck by the reflection of the wreath in the window. The spotlight shined brightly on a Christmas tradition and spilled into the home that was ready for the Holiday season!

Project 365 2010 – Day 326 12/18/2010

f2.8 1/100 ISO 500 17-55 mm

Still riding high from the night before Kristin and I headed south to my Parents house. As I have stated before the holidays are a special time for me and my family, I really think it has a lot to do with what today was, the Dion Christmas Open house. What started as a need to see so many people and share our love of Christmas to our Friends and Family has grown to a spectacle of Holiday Love, Culinary Creations and Confectionary amazement. When I was younger I always had a blast entertaining my friends around the house and failed to realize how much work went into such a party. This year after a 5 year break was the return of the Open House and with no corners cut. Mom and Dad had been telling me all week how many desserts they had baked and how many apps were ready to go, I had no idea until I saw it all.  The people came and the treats were devoured. There wasn’t a soul who left with a hungry feeling and the dishes were left with crumbs. Mom and Dad seemed exhausted but they were still smiling. I just wanted to take a second to Thank You Mom and Dad for all the work you did to bring people together. It was great seeing everyone from years past and to celebrate this special season. NOW TAKE A BREAK!

Project 365 2010 – Day 325 12/17/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 1250 17-55 mm

Today was a super special day in my world! Yesterday we were fortunate enough to be blessed with an amazing gift, the gift of Alexander Cooley Sanieski. There had been excitement building 9 months ago when it was announced that Lex was on his way. We learned so much about the pregnancy process, we heard all the stories and I felt like I was going through this with Kevin and Karin. Thursday afternoon was the big day, Lex arrived healthy and ready for the world, mom and dad did a great job and seemed to be running on a lot of love to get them through the exhaustion. We finally were able to meet the little man tonight and it was awesome! It seamed almost surreal to see his face for the first time. The room was quite but the smiles around the room were screaming loudly. Lex did his best job to adjust to his new place in the world, he quickly found comfort near his mothers side and a stack of pillows and warm blankets. I have to admit I was a bit jealous of how comfortable he looked! The harsh fluorescent light was blocked by the privacy curtain and a beam of light seemed to grace his precious head divinely. With dad and mom all around I couldn’t help but to try my hardest to photograph this memory to last a lifetime. Often when I am shooting I am thinking about what this photo might look like in 30 years. I try and capture all of the feelings, the temperature and the attitude in the room in hopes that the memories it will jog in the future will be a time machine to the past. I love this photo, and I love this man, he is my first nephew and I can’t wait to teach him something, anything, but more importantly watch him grow up to make the world a better place for what his family has given him. It was nice to meet you Lex Monster!
-Uncle D

Project 365 2010 – Day 324 12/16/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

Christmas Light Fact 146:

In 1895 Ralph Morris, an American telephonist, invented the string of electric Christmas lights similar to the ones we use today.

Project 365 2010 – Day 323 12/15/2010

f2.8 1/5 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

I am beginning to think I am missing some sort of sick trend amongst the locals here in the Pioneer valley. With an extreme chill in the air I decided I would shoot quickly outside before I was forced to shoot another shot inside. Heading to a location that I missed this summer I figured I would try and make it work. Walking around my location looking for something interesting and I stumbled upon this dead lobster hanging from the barbed wire fence. A bit startled with my discovery I stepped back and started shooting, fingers freezing, I figured I would let the questions come later. Now that I am back home in the warmth I stare at this photo extremely confused. This is the second time during this project that I have encountered and animal helplessly hanging from a barbed wire fence. What gives? Why would anyone leave an animal to die on a barbed wire fence? Even better question who would waste a perfectly good tasting lobster, I was ready to draw the butter. Or perhaps this crustacean had escaped from the local tank and got all the way up and nearly over the fence trying to make an escape, alas its a shame it had to end this way.

Project 365 2010 – Day 322 12/14/2010

f2.8 1/10 ISO640 17-55 mm

City sidewalks, city sidewalks, dressed with holiday style. While visiting friends in the north tonight we cruised home through Greenfield, MA, a city of less then epic activity. As a friend says often its a “great place to live if you want to get work done”. As you drive the streets in the early evening its not to hard to see why this might be true. Only a few storefronts are decorated and even those decorations are slim. This storefront was glowing behind me as I parked the car on main street. It seemed to call to late night followers, but not a soul was answering. The cold air seemed with whip down the streets blowing those who traveled by foot into any open door. With many doors closed they were forced to move to the next. One can only hope that life returns to the city streets in the morning, brining life to the community around it.

Project 365 2010 – Day 321 12/13/2010

f2.8 1/30 ISO640 17-55 mm

They are ready to march and defend tradition.

Project 365 2010 – Day 320 12/12/2010

f2.8 1/1000 ISO640 17-55 mm

Its rainy its gross and I have nothing to do but enjoy the view from the couch. I love it!

Project 365 2010 – Day 319 12/11/2010

f2.8 1/16 ISO1600 17-55 mm

After a wonderful day with my family at Mom & Dad’s, it was wonderful to drive home with all of houses along the way adorned with Christmas trimmings. For as long as I can remember I have been particularly fond of a Christmas decorating style. I have opinions on how people do their decorations and have also been known to give failing grades for an excessive use of inflatable lawn characters. It could be the designer in me or the pure love of Christmas decorating that my family has become known for. And then there are these three houses, my favorites. They sit far back from the main road, no trees to block their view, a perfectly manicured lawns and trees, similar in style and dynamite, classy, traditional Christmas Decorating. These three houses do the same thing year after year and it never gets old, these homes get an A!

Project 365 2010 – Day 318 12/10/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO1000 70-200 mm

Tonight we saw the first snow fall. Its quite exciting how the buzz of a crowded room can change instantly with the mere mention of a four letter word, “snow”, the heads turn and the questions fly. I have to say I get particularly excited myself, I love how the snow sounds and how a fresh blanket can smell. The snow only lasted the night and in the morning it was chased out by the sun’s disappearing shadows.

Project 365 2010 – Day 317 12/09/2010

f2.8 1/160 ISO160 17-55 mm

Baby its cold outside…Really if its going to be this cold just please snow at least it would look nicer.

Project 365 2010 – Day 316 12/08/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 640 17-55 mm

An artists process defines an outcome. As this project comes to a close, the definition of the whole is becoming harder and harder to put together. I dug deep into my art from the past tonight in hopes of inspiration of the present. It came with limited success but thats all part of the process. When designing for yourself or trying to define who you and your art is, there seems to never be a point of conclusion. Pushing elements around and sketching are a start towards a conclusion but reaching that conclusion seems a lot further away then I would like. The drawing board seems limitless and my hope is that soon I will find what defines me an this, and beautifully.

Project 365 2010 – Day 315 12/07/2010

f2.8 1/125 ISO 640 17-55 mm

She asked me to kill it, so I shot it!

Project 365 2010 – Day 314 12/06/2010

f2.8 1/13 ISO 640 17-55 mm

You have to push the limits. Standing around and doing what we did last year will never get you any where, but last year. I have been struggling with the fact that mid week its tough to get out and shoot in daylight and to be honest it was wicked cold tonight. Forced to look at the world around me and inside I choose to shoot the tree tonight. The quick and obvious choice would have been to dim the light pop a slightly under  exposed shot of the tree with the lights twinkling, but where is the fun in that. So off to experimenting we go, with a snap of the wrist, a steady hand and a high ISO we have laser 80’s tree in a vortex, totally not something to be used and abused often but for fun, it works.

Project 365 2010 – Day 313 12/05/2010

f6.3 1/50 ISO 500 17-55 mm

There comes a point in which a couple turns from a loving family of two to a warmth filled joyous family of three. Kevin and Karin are ready to become that family any day now. I am a bit partial with them being my soon to be brother and sister in-laws but they are some of the coolest and most ready parents to be I have ever seen. I approached them a while back asking if I could do an embrace the bump shoot with them, they kindly obliged and my mind started running. I was so excited to get a crack at this, its my first “bump” shoot and I knew it was going to be fun. Karin looks as great as ever she wears her baby with pride and there seems to be a glow emanating from all around her, Kevin is just one proud pop who is counting the days to shake that little guys hand and show him the ways of the world. With the day slowing and the wind howling we stepped outside for a few shots. Kevin & Karin were troopers and Lex I am sure was the most comfy cozy in Momma’s belly. As Karin says she is just waiting for the day for him to open the door and just walk on out of the oven. Alexander, I can’t wait to meet you buddy, you are coming into a world full of people who already love you more then you will ever know, we are here to guide you, help you and most of all enjoy the wonder you will bring to this world. Come on out little guy!

Project 365 2010 – Day 312 12/04/2010

f7.1 1/640 ISO 100 17-55 mm

The quest for the perfect Christmas Tree is exactly that, a quest. The day sits on the Calendar as is if the perfect strike on the Holidays. After a tall coffee, gloving up and grabbing your saw you head off into the field to see what mother nature has prepared for you this year. Some come to strike quick and go home, others like myself and family are there until all options have been exhausted and the one speaks to you. Kristin this year takes the kill, she spotted out lovely tree and with very little consideration we knew this beauty would soon be filling our living room with holiday cheer. As we approached the field today the sun warmed our faces and colored our cheeks as we smiled and laughed looking to get the Christmas season started, together!

Project 365 2010 – Day 311 12/03/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 800 17-55 mm

There are times when men get together and push their ability to be civil, these moments are called poker night. If you’ve never been in a room full of beer drinking men who can carry on a conversation just by grunting, and throwing their hands in the air like 6 gun shooters then you haven’t experienced poker night ranch style. They showed up with beer, some with cases, others chilled in coolers and others with a fresh bottles of booze. The pizza was ordered and the chips counted, what started as a back busting jokes, quickly turned to sunglasses and bluffs. Matt found himself here between a newbie and the need to make a move on a tough hand. Hiding behind some sweet shades he checks and waits for the flop to decide his fate. He was out.

Project 365 2010 – Day 310 12/02/2010

f2.8 1/13 ISO 800 17-55 mm

In my family when it comes time to deck the halls its an art form. The Christmas traditions have evolved over many years and the simplicity of last years look doesn’t fly. This year Kristin and I decided that we were going to attack Christmas with a K&C Twist. Yellow and Orange being our favorite colors only seemed like a natural choice for a tree….except…the rest of the world doesn’t really include orange or yellow as a Christmas color. This entire process has only lead me to believe that we are trend setters and in the coming years Yellow and Orange ornaments are going to be plentiful, but now they are far from it. Forced to create our own to mold the perfect tree, you see our creations drying for the trimming on Saturday. I can’t wait to welcome Christmas to our home, soon it will snow and soon the festive cheer will be here in full force!

Project 365 2010 – Day 309 12/01/2010

f2.8 1/13 sec ISO 800 17-55 mm

And the rain came down…HARD!

Project 365 2010 – Day 308 11/30/2010

f8 30 sec ISO 100 18-270 mm

There are places that are hidden from the everyday sight, places with a function that have never been designed with aesthetic in mind. Here amongst those hidden functioning pieces of you often can find some amazing textures, symbols and powerful pieces of aesthetic beauty.

Project 365 2010 – Day 307 11/29/2010

f1.4 1/80 ISO 1000 50 mm

The quest for a new subject only gets more difficult as the days pass. As I travel I look left to right, filing locations away to be shot another day. Last night on the drive home I spotted some river access that I had never seen before. With a few unknown lefts and a couple of rights I arrived at the river’s edge. The river crawled slowly as if the banks around it were sliding away upstream.

Project 365 2010 – Day 306 11/28/2010

f6.3 1/125 ISO 200 17-55 mm

Sometimes a location takes you a lot further then you expected but on the way home…you find the shot. Texture can be King in a world of decay.

Project 365 2010 – Day 305 11/27/2010

f6.3 1/1250 ISO 400 18-270 mm

Today we wrapped up another season of UConn Football. My family and I have been tailgating at Rentschler Field since its existence. We rise early every game Saturday to arrive in an empty field and see a small city grow around us. Today we brought friends and family into our little inner circle and had a blast showing some new faces what tailgating is all about. After a joyous very cold and windy win, we wrapped up the day with a cold one and cookie as the sun set and the gulls feasted on the scraps around us. The camera came out the shutter clicked, done.

Project 365 2010 – Day 304 11/26/2010

f5.6 1/250 ISO 400 17-55 mm

I love when I get to see my Brides again and catch up a bit and see where married life has taken them. I was contacted a few months back by one of my brides, father in-laws who was looking to take a few pictures of his family of his mother as a Christmas Present. After a few schedule changes, we decided that, why not Celebrate the holiday’s with a photo shoot while the whole family is together. I awoke this morning, the skies were gray and clouds were rolling through, I was a bit disappointed that we might have to shoot indoors, my head began to spin. As I drove north the skies came to life, the golden sun was peeking out from behind the clouds and the skies were blue. I couldn’t have been more excited to get started, I knew this was going to be a fun shoot. After some quick catching up we headed outside for the shoot, the wind was steady and the air cold, but the hearts were warm and the faces beautiful. I was really a great time capturing such amazing faces and personalities all stemming from one amazing woman. Thank you Dempsey Family for allowing me to share a little bit of the holiday’s with you, Happy Thanksgiving.

Project 365 2010 – Day 303 11/25/2010

f2.8 1/30 ISO 500 17-55 mm

There are many days when we are too busy to stop are realize what we have around us. Today has been set aside, thankfully, so that we can take some time to stop and spend time with those we love. I was very fortunate this year to have experienced some wonderful things and to bring two great families together. It was a blast today to prepare a meal for such a great group of people, that I am so thankful for. With a couple of huge cups of coffee, nearly 12 pounds of stuffing makings, and my parents, and fiance by my side, we prepared for the day ahead. The family is so big Kristin and I had to bring our dishes from home to my parents, so that we all had  something to eat off of. With the dishes stacked high and the oven loaded with a huge bird, there was a lot to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Project 365 2010 – Day 302 11/24/2010

f1.4 1/30 ISO 1000 50 mm

There are some magical places in this world that come from a land of foam and plastic trees, that place is the “village”.

Project 365 2010 – Day 301 11/23/2010

f2.8 1/10 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

I came walking out of work today fully expecting a dark and cold evening. I was pleasantly surprised when the skies over my left shoulder glowed softly with a beautiful pink and purple and the air was warm, making my scarf useless, except for fashion of course. I mentioned to a friend “a sky like this is a real shame at this point in the game, its almost like cheating” I muttered, “its too easy and its been done before too many times”. I got in the car almost upset about the fact that I couldn’t share this with anyone. I began to drive out of the driveway and pulled right over, grabbed my camera and pushed myself. I was going to come up with something using this setting day, I closed the car door and the sun was looking right back at me in a refection on the car, a tractor trailer truck hauling its load whooshed by closely and the image was captured. I pushed myself, not wanting to shoot around the house I knew it was do or bore!

Project 365 2010 – Day 300 11/22/2010

f2.8 1/6 ISO 400 17-55 mm

300 down, many more to go. I don’t really feel well and don’t feel like playing cameras today…

Project 365 2010 – Day 299 11/21/2010

f3.5 1/320 ISO 100 17-55 mm

They say when you find out you are going to be having a child you are never really ready for what amazing life changing event is to come. Well I know a couple of parents to be that couldn’t be more excited to welcome their little guy to the world in the coming weeks. Kevin is ready to go and already proud of his little guys. With his eye black on looking rough and tough he scribed his son’s nickname and due date for all to see. Looking fierce or funny I’m not sure but I do know I was staring down that barrel at one proud dad to be!

Project 365 2010 – Day 298 11/20/2010

f2.8 1/15 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

This morning, early morning, I was taking off my boots and reflecting on a super surprising and great evening. As I kicked off my last boot I looked over my shoulder and the bright paper moon glow was peaking through the blinds like I had started my day with the sun. I had just meet a fantastic woman from Holyoke who had traveled the states exploring her art, and had just recently returned home. After much talk of the lack of a local art scene and the need to grow, we exchanged contacts and were ready to bring art back to the pioneer valley. Inspired, and my mind running, I couldn’t help but to grab the camera to snap this shot.

Project 365 2010 – Day 297 11/19/2010

f7.1 1/200 ISO 100 17-55 mm

I really wanted this to be the last image of the series but alas deadlines are approaching. Every morning I awake and shuffle my feet across the cold floor to the bathroom, fire up the shower and peer just like this through the blinds. This view in such a small crack dictates how the day will look. Sure there are plenty of changes and the day may turn but at least I have an eye on where the day is beginning. Ever since I started this project planning and prep for the day has been critical. These images just don’t create themselves, a careful eye on the world around me has allowed me to create wonders in my own backyard. Keep an eye out for this image again…posters and postcards perhaps.

Project 365 2010 – Day 296 11/18/2010

f6.3 1/100 ISO 800 70-200 mm

The glow outside seemed to fill the stale gray workspace with warmth and a sense of a better place. For the last couple of weeks everyday around 4 PM the sun falls quickly and the front of our building at work fills it with an amazing golden glow! Today I couldn’t help but to bust out the camera and take a photo of our team commander. Marcia, knows everything and if she doesn’t she will certainly find the answer to all the toughest questions you can throw at her. A testament to her professionalism and as the shutter clicked she just glared and continued to work. I couldn’t help but to notice how the passing sunset never slowed her one bit, it also made me realize that there is not a fleeting day or rising moon that wont slow me, I guess this photographer has found his kryptonite, the glow of a day ending or beginning!

Project 365 2010 – Day 295 11/17/2010

f2.8 1/25ISO 800 17-55 mm

You always hear about the city that never sleeps, what about the city that does sleep. Hartford Connecticut is a capitol city that only works 9 to 5. Its really a shame how quick a place can exit as if an apocalyptic notice has been broadcasted. Come 5:30 its hard pressed to find someone not under 30 who has been forced to finished that last report, in the city of sleep. I arrived tonight to meet up with my father to watch the UConn Huskies take on Vermont, shortly after turning my heels and locking the car I felt as if the city had emptied. I can’t imagine calling this mass exodus city home, the pride is low and the want to enjoy it’s limited offerings are even lower, at least it isn’t Springfield!

Project 365 2010 – Day 294 11/16/2010

f2.8 1/50 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Even that perfect coating fades with time.

Project 365 2010 – Day 293 11/15/2010

f3.5 5 sec ISO 250 17-55 mm

The facades of building shine with their clean glows and beautiful store fronts. The signs read in perfectly selected fonts, sales and clever names their owners have chosen to describe their goods. But behind this all is a different story. The alleys lay quite, grim, dusty and rusty. Boxes are crushed, light can’t reach into the furthest corners, and the streets lay unswept. This is where the business end of a deal goes down, behind the curtain of locked doors and truck ramps is where the magic happens, where the merchandise goes from hand to hand only to be given a value and sold in the bright lights of the store front with a snazzy soundtrack.

Project 365 2010 – Day 292 11/14/2010

f2.8 1/50 ISO 640 70-200 mm

It amazes me sometimes how many great photos can be created in such a short period of time. When your subjects ignore your presence and allow their true personalities to shine through photographs come to life. The O’Neil family celebrated a great day and welcomed Gavin into the Church. With his big brother by his side and Mom & Dad just so happy to have everyone together the day went off without a hitch. I really loved the casual yet reverent ceremony, the church was modern yet traditional and the reason for our day was adorable! While the priest was explaining the significance of the ceremony to the family, Gavin popped this face that nearly made me laugh out loud. I can’t help but to ask myself what he was thinking? Thank You O’Neil Family for having me share this great day with you, Congrats!

Project 365 2010 – Day 291 11/13/2010

f2.8 1/15 ISO 400 17-50 mm

I quickly felt comfortable here…MMmmm

Project 365 2010 – Day 290 11/12/2010

f3.5 1/20 ISO 320 17-50 mm

Color, texture, light and mood can come together to create perfect photograph. I have become to realize that perfection in a photo is easily obtainable when you let you guard down and let the camera become an extension of you eye. Having been at this project for a mere 290 days the connection between the mind, eye and hand are becoming stronger. I am seeing a photograph before the shutter clicks. I am composing in my head, the mood has been decided by my eye and the dials move quickly. Photography is about perfecting this connection and allowing your eye to guide you, its becoming easier.

Project 365 2010 – Day 289 11/11/2010

f2.8 1/1600 ISO 320 17-50 mm

Thank you Edwin for all that you have done to protect this countries Freedoms. While taking a short lunch today I was moved to pull into the Jewish cemetery by work. Its beautiful Iron, doors are usually closed and locked protecting this sacred land. The gate is fashioned with a beautifully designed “tree of life” the breaks at the trunk to allow its passers through. Walking softly through the fallen leaves and plaques of our fallen friends, I began to notice each service man or woman had a flag adorning their plaque, soon I felt an overwhelming feeling of being surrounded, surrounded by heroes. I couldn’t help but to brush away the leaves and read the names of a few of these hero’s honoring them with each letter. Thank you Edwin and thank you Veterans. Whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve a Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America,’ for an amount of ‘up to, and including his/her life.’ That is honor.

Project 365 2010 – Day 288 11/10/2010

f2.8 1/50 ISO 320 17-50 mm

It was right as the skies went black that the color leapt from the horizon. With the changing of the clocks it has pushed the world in a different pace. We move the same way but at a different time. The commute home the sky was a glow with color. Resisting to capture its beauty was hard, extremely hard. I was battling myself, it almost seemed too easy. But then right before the last bit of light exited the skies, i gave in. I pulled into an abandoned parking lot and began shooting. I was told in Key West that if you watch the sunset all the way through you can she the day’s last breath, today I watched it fade slowly and then exhale, gone beneath the urban horizon.

Project 365 2010 – Day 287 11/09/2010

f8 1/250 ISO 100 17-50 mm

The guardian of the Mass Pike watches over its faithful drivers.

Project 365 2010 – Day 286 11/08/2010

f2.8 1/50 ISO 800 17-50 mm

Jeff & Kelly welcomed a little one into the world only 6 days ago. I was fortunate enough to meet Jackson tonight and see the joy that he has brought already to his parents hearts. Jackson is just getting used to his new home. A different place, a place full of life and light, not dark and warmth of the womb. Jackson has found much comfort in his mother’s touch, he slept so innocently in her arms as she kissed his forehead. Its obvious, the miracle that was there before me. 6 Days ago there were two parents working together to get ready for their greatest arrival and today they were working together to swaddle their creation for the start of their lives together. Congrats Jeff & Kelly, you have a wonderful journey ahead of you, keep your heads high, the laughs coming, and keep being yourselves, you son will soon realize how great a family he has.

Project 365 2010 – Day 285 11/07/2010

f2.8 1/50 ISO 640 70-200 mm

There are milestones in a persons life that really are special. Days when Families get together to celebrate all things that are great. Being a photographer and being able to capture these memories is fantastic! Dennis came to me many months ago when his baby was born and asked me to photograph his daughter, Nicolina. I immediately placed the date in my calendar and waited for this great day to come. The Baptismal Ceremony took place at St. Xavier’s Church in Waterbury, CT. Four other families were co-celebrating with Dennis, Cecil, and Nicolina and the Church was filled with love. I was fortunate to be placed with a warm sun coming through the stained glass over my right shoulder casting a fantastic warmth on my beautiful subject. Nicolina did great and her family was proud. Right before it was Nicolina’s chance to be baptized, I captured this fantastic glance from the cutest little eyes, Mom and Dad in reflection I could almost see the love surrounding them. Congrats, Dennis, Cecil and Nicolina, your family is proud and Thank you for letting me share this great day with you!

Project 365 2010 – Day 284 11/06/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 500 17-55 mm

Beer, Friends, Family and Trivia…Makes for a good night!

Project 365 2010 – Day 283 11/05/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 640 17-55 mm

I had a great opportunity tonight to hang with one of the greatest people in my life, my Dad. As we were headed out to find a place to eat and drink, a spot of light caught my eye. There is a park by my house that I have been trying to shoot at for the last year but it never really seemed to come to fruition. Tonight the perfect amber glow from a street light caught my eye. Dad was a perfect subject for he saw what I was seeing as well. Its been so much fun to watch the people around me see the same things I have become so a costumed to. He quickly began to tell me how much he loved the light here and how the atmosphere over here seemed to be moody and really cool. The art I am creating is becoming in peoples eyes, people are beginning to see what I am seeing, and it is great! Thanks Dad for a fantastic evening and thanks Mom and Family for a wonderful evening together.

Project 365 2010 – Day 282 11/04/2010

f13 0.5 Sec ISO 320 17-55 mm

Don’t you just wish you could sometime suck it all up and forget about the mess? Spending the night cleaning and getting ready for another party filled weekend!

Project 365 2010 – Day 281 11/03/2010

f8 1/100 ISO 100 70-200 mm

There are some times in the year when the perfect lighting situations seem to match up with your work schedule, kinda funny how that works. The ebb and flow of the clocks and seasons pass and the sun rises as you are leaving for work. It is a glorious thing, in that 15 min. of travel how the world around you can go from a flat blue, to a rich and vivid red, orange and yellow. The sky this morning was spectacular, one of the best I had seen in a long time, I could help but stair off into the sun drenched clouds and ponder where the best spot would be to shoot this glorious morning. A few jerks of the wheel and sudden lane changes later I knew I needed to keep my eyes on the road and not at the sailors warning sky. Arriving at work and parking the car I threw the camera bag on my shoulder and shut the door. I knew I had just let the moment past, willing to work with what was left in the fleeting sunrise I unpacked my camera and began to frame my shot. One of my fellow photography buddies and I shared a moment comparing our optimal shooting spots this morning and how “if only I could have stopped here”. The last shutter clicked I packed up the camera, locked the car and the sky had turned back to a flat blue.

Project 365 2010 – Day 280 11/02/2010

f2.8 1/80 ISO 400 17-55 mm

Today we found out what America has chosen, they have chosen to return the McRib to the American peoples hands. Nearly 16 years ago McDonalds created this gastronomical creation of pressed pork meat drizzled in BBQ sauce, covered in onions and pickles served on a brilliant oval bun. Just as quickly as this sandwich could be enjoyed on a hungry stomach it was gone. Many rejoiced, claiming its disgust was the downfall of American eating habits. I have to say I think the American food system is currently messed up. We have built the system to serve the people the wrong way, food is generated as a filler rather then grown as a sustainably satisfying. But there is something about fast food and the United States that go hand in hand. We are the people who built the meal in under a minute, we are the people who made it taste good and we are the people who can make it in LA and NY and taste exactly the same. There is something to be said about this accomplishment. Now I am not saying that this is the food we should be feeding our children as a balanced meal, or relaying on for our daily intake of calories, what I am saying is its part of American culture and it tastes damn good. This McRib sandwich is stuff dreams are made of, I remember my mother taking to me to McDonalds in between our extremely busy lives to eat on the road. I would order what I wanted but there was one rule, no McRib in the Subaru! It was messy but it was also a gift, if we had time I was able to sit down in McDonalds with Mom and catch up just her and I, covered in BBQ sauce around my mouth, wiping my hands on my pants and mom and I dipping our fries in our vanilla milk shake. This is what the return of one of the oddest and most mysterious pieces of meat in a bun is all about, fast food memories, family memories, American memories, this is the McRib. It tasted great, in case you were wondering…

Project 365 2010 – Day 279 11/01/2010

f5 1/320 ISO 100 17-55 mm

The day drew to a close. As I drove home I noticed the light warming up this cold tangled web of metal and copper. This large transformer must service the surrounding towns and regions of Springfield. Heavily fortified with 14 foot tall chain-link and razor wire, clearly marked not for entry, this place has always fascinated me. The engineering and design of this structure has a purpose yet its purpose has created has created a complex visual wonder. I couldn’t help but to compare it to a children’s jungle gym only this jungle gym will kill you if you touch it!

Project 365 2010 – Day 278 10/31/2010

f2.8 1/640 ISO 100 17-55 mm

It was a cold morning. The wet, damp and gray Vermont air hung heavy. After we battled the day before with rain, wind and snow, it seemed as if mother nature was going to let up a bit and grace us with some blue skies. Over each mountain peek and winding road turn we could see signs of the sun rising. The pink and orange smudge sat on the horizon but couldn’t seem to get past that next turn. I spotted these train tracks in the distance and as soon as I set foot on them the skies turned again to a gray wash. The texture of the rail bed and tracks tried to capture the light around. Glistening so softly they drew straight lines to the flat and lifeless horizon. No train had traveled these tracks  in a long time and they seem to be the traveled path of those on the way to a place I don’t want to be.

Project 365 2010 – Day 277 10/30/2010

f6.3 1/250 ISO 800 18-270 mm

This shot was a first for me. Not for the sake that I have never shot the moon for the fact that I had shot from the same location on two separate days just 12 hours apart and was able to capture the most extremes of a period of time. 12 hours earlier I was admiring the golden sun, now the huge amber halloween moon. Hanging menacingly over head after a terrific football win a great group of friends we all seemed to stare at this monster and become hypnotized in its posture. This moon seemed to know where stand, standing tall, playing with the wispy clouds ducking for cover only to provide a soft orange pumpkin glow to the black canvas around it!

Project 365 2010 – Day 276 10/29/2010

f6.3 1/240 ISO 250 18-270 mm

What a way to start an insanely busy and fun weekend. Friday night was serving up to be a good one. The fall air had rushed its way into Connecticut and was going to stick around. As the mercury was falling the skies opening up the wind began to whip. The fierce force of the wind quickly began to push the clouds away and the late afternoon sun’s rays began to shine on our football tailgate. I couldn’t stop aiming my lens towards the skies but as the 365 crew says, “clouds are too easy, its like cheating shooting the perfect sky.” Just before the sun dipped below the CT industrial stacks the air seemed to gasp as the golden glows draped the world around them and then as quickly as they came they disappeared.

Project 365 2010 – Day 275 10/28/2010

f2.8 1/200 ISO 250 17-55 mm

Its a tangled web we weave. Between friends and family, work and pleasure, love and anger we all seem to be connected by these things called wires. As I was looking at this image I was drifting of into a place in which wires weren’t the connections. People only had relationships and discussions with those they were near and close to. Today we are able to connect across the globe face to face with our phones, something we had only dreamed about 30 years ago. I am thankful for the days when I am not connected, I am thankful for a chance to be bored, to do nothing to waste a day getting back, back to the days of no limitless connections. I am happy I had a day off today!

Project 365 2010 – Day 274 10/27/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 250 17-55 mm

Another day in New England, another fall day, another cemetery!

Project 365 2010 – Day 273 10/26/2010

f5 1/60 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Determined to find an amazing bit of Autumn on a Summer like day I turned the car around. Driving home from work my head was bobbing and searching for the perfect scene. At times it can be almost tiring and difficult to keep your eyes out for perfection. On the corner of depression and common american suburb lies a lifeless chain-link contained old cemetery. The property seems to go unnoticed year round, every couple of months someone, unlocks the lock and tends to the yard as if its property dwellers still care. Today I was stuck on the outside in a world where I am not sure I want to be inside. The trees in the cemetery are some of the most brilliant around. The peak color being graced with the golden sun rays seemed to bring a character and life to this forgotten and walled place. With the fading sun the shadows danced across the colorful carpet of fallen foliage as if these grounds were made to be enjoyed not forgotten.

Project 365 2010 – Day 272 10/25/2010

f2.8 1/4 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Looking over the balcony into a twisted world of metal and concrete I couldn’t help but wonder where these steps lead too. In this usually busy and bustling world it would seem nearly impossible to find these steps without a person scaling their incline. The cold wet weather will soon change to freezing temperatures and this stair case will be a hazard nearly unclimbable, forcing their use to be limited to risk takers and determined shoppers only!

Project 365 2010 – Day 271 10/24/2010

f2.8 1/320 ISO 100 70-200 mm

With the sun peaking in and out and the fog from the evening before still lingering. We sat on the deck catching some fresh air. This little guy seemed to be extremely fascinated with our deck and couldn’t seem to get enough of us. He crept closer and closer, dashing and darting, scurrying away, and creeping closer. I decided to get a bit of safari practice and crept around the front of the house. Moving with care and the lens fixed on this fluffy tree rat, I began to click, interested in the sound he hoped down and gave me this view. As if he was telling me to go take a hike, I was able to capture that sinister eyeball keeping a watchful eye, before he was gone!

Project 365 2010 – Day 270 10/23/2010

f2.8 1/15 ISO 640 17-55 mm

This photo really sums up what our friends are all about…Amazing. This evening Kristin and I were really excited to get our entire wedding party together for some good old fashioned bowling, beers and junk food. It was great to see everyone together and even better so see everyone getting along. People traveled from all over, some pregnant, some late, some confused and some in love, lots of family and tons of fun. I don’t think Kristin and I could stop saying the whole night how great our friends are and how much they mean to us. Bryant, being Bryant decided to have a bit of fun with Lisa. As amazing a sport as Lisa is, with Jack on the way, the both smiled for the camera. We can’t wait for our wedding, we know with a crew like this and family as strong there is no other way we could think of to start our lives together! Thanks everyone for coming, thanks for the fun!

Project 365 2010 – Day 269 10/22/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Sometimes walls and doors were meant to be busted…or at least attempted!

Project 365 2010 – Day 268 10/21/2010

f5.6 1/8 ISO 100 17-55 mm

With another hectic day drawing to a close I walked out the door from work ready to leave it all behind me. I had a lot on my mind and knew that some time behind the lens would be good for me. The weather today was crazy, hail, torrential rain, sun, and clouds. The afternoon left the skies to the east Gray with gloom and to the west sun and clarity. Looking for a foreground subject for the skies, I drove towards one of the largest churches in Springfield. I have always admired it stoic placement and heavy base, it almost seems as if it rose from where it stands. I parked my car in the shadow of its size and walked around front. As I tuned the corner and looked up towards its steeple the sun rushed through the clouds and seemed to light up the buildings facade. All that was in my mind seemed race away and I stood with warmth on my back. A little lady motioned to me at the door as she was struggling with its huge size, “coming in father?”. Caught a bit off guard my the whole mistaken as a priest thing, it could have been I was in black, as well as the somewhat divine feelings I was having I quickly chuckled, “not right now, thanks”. She tuned and shuffled through the door. I waited a moment and cracked the massive door, and snuck inside. The light was lost instantly but the room in front of me glowed with color and pure silence. I stood there for a brief second and watched the old woman make her way down the royal aisle welcomed by her two friends who had been waiting for her. I raised my camera in full reverence for what had just gone on and convinced of the “moment” I had before, I snapped, turn my heels and left. Cracking the door once again the sun filled my face with an golden glow and a smile returned to my blank face. Thank you I muttered to the world, the gods, the place, to the sun!

Project 365 2010 – Day 267 10/20/2010

f2.8 1/1000 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

Nearly every day I drive past this location and admire the fact that I am forced to stare myself down and ask if I have completed the day to its fullest. Sometimes I can answer honestly that yes you couldn’t squeeze another drop out of me, other days I know I can do better. Looking into this truck has sort of a reflective quality, not so much in the materials but in its placement. It sits full of fuel at the exit of the work parking lot, the sun sets just behind you and it has a tendency to light the back end of this truck with an amber glow. I am always admiring its spectrum, like a wide angle lens grabbing all that is around it and projecting it on to one oval canvas. I stood in front of it today and placed myself out of my comfort zone of the car and allowed this lens to take hold of me. There I was in its massive canvas, forced to be the reflection on a day passing.

Project 365 2010 – Day 266 10/19/2010

f2.8 1/10 ISO 640 17-55 mm

Step into the light and discover something new. Through out this long last 266 days I have learned so much about what it means to take a photograph. Trying to carry about a life, while working on your art and discovering the place in which you live is a complex matter. Photography and light move together like an ebb and flow. The lack of light creates nothing and too much light creates all that is white. When trying to create an optimal image one must look to the light and look where the lack of light is. When taking out the trash tonight I looked over towards my neighbors shed and the silhouette of the tree caught my eye. The dancing leaves in the wind graced by the halogen glow created a fantastic moving texture that seamed to freeze with the click of the shutter!

Project 365 2010 – Day 265 10/18/2010

f5 1/500 ISO 200 17-55 mm

Crumpin’ Fox, Bernardston, MA. Hole 8 Par 5

Project 365 2010 – Day 264 10/17/2010

f5.6 1/320 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Cedar Knob, Somers, CT Hole 17 Par 5

Project 365 2010 – Day 263 10/16/2010

f2.8 1/15 ISO 200 17-55 mm

After a 6:30 AM start and battling the elements, mostly wind, I think we were successful at the Tag Sale. Its is really amazing how your “trash” is someone else’s treasure. Just when you think you have nothing or not enough to sell the people show up and buy. We started with 4 tables full so stuff and before we knew it we were down to only one. Friends stopped by to wrap up the event which was perfect! Thanks to all who showed and thanks for the cash…the honeymoon is this stack closer to becoming a reality!

Project 365 2010 – Day 262 10/15/2010

f2.8 1/5 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Tag Sale Prep, we are retail geniuses!

Project 365 2010 – Day 261 10/14/2010

f3.2 1/400 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Heading out with determination to find fall before it disappears, I found fall in a completely, industrial, rust covered and rotting way. Fall and fallen industry are very similar. Both have had fruitful and producing seasons, when their time is up it is time to shed their cover and crumble for growth.

Project 365 2010 – Day 260 10/13/2010

f6.3 1/500 ISO 160 70-200 mm

Since deciding we were going to Safari for our Honeymoon I have been reading quite a bit and getting super excited for this opportunity of a life time. Naturally wanting to get some practice on the wildlife that surrounds me I have been chasing it. Its seeming as if mother nature is playing along as well. Everyday that I leave work a group of these little birds greets me with a flutter. I love their movement as a pack, and their flight is almost mesmerizing. Today they allowed me to get closer then ever. I was initially attracted to their clam perch on a wire but when they jumped into the water for a dust off the action exploded! I felt as if I was on the Serengeti waiting for the Crocs to make a meal. Just as soon as they were there they were gone.

Project 365 2010 – Day 259 10/12/2010

f6.3 1/200 ISO 160 17-55 mm

The skies caught my eye, not the Benz!

Project 365 2010 – Day 258 10/11/2010

f4.5 1/15 ISO 160 17-55 mm

It’s a tangled web be weave. As I was walking out the door I saw the switch room open and decided to click a few shots off. I have always been fascinated to know how any of this connects. I get frustrated when I can’t get my simple wireless router to work let alone this rat’s nest. We all have connections to one another and sometimes may even forget that there is a physical connection of data that will connect us even when we are face to face. This web of wire and power can build and knock down data, connect and disconnect systems and people. Like life its tangled and messy but without connections what a bore the world would be.

Project 365 2010 – Day 257 10/10/2010

f4.5 1/15 ISO 100 17-55 mm

When we left New England on friday night the roads were lined with lush green foliage. The air was warm and the speed in which people were moving was as if they were racing the last chance to enjoy the fleeting season. Driving home today was an eye opener. The world around us had changed so much in two days. The reds, golds and oranges were blooming from all around. The sun had a different warmth on my back as we exited the city, leaves whisked across the highway as we raced home with the rest of the city dwellers. When I arrived at my parents home it was as if autumn had beat there. The sun directed its rays through the dazzling trees and right on some beautiful pumpkins ready for the fall frost. Seasons change and time passes, life remains a blessing.

Project 365 2010 – Day 256 10/09/2010

f22 1/15 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Since I have seen the movie BIG I have had a fascination with the sea side boardwalk amusement parks. These places seem to falling off the map and their days are numbered. Arriving at the boardwalk seemed almost surreal. The skies couldn’t have been more blue and everything seemed coated with a 40 year old rusty seaside salt crust. The culture has been established many years ago and not much has changed. I had never been to Coney Island before but I felt like this was a place of my broken dreams with a slightly sweet taste of youth.

Project 365 2010 – Day 255 10/08/2010

Canon PowerShot SD870 IS f2.81/15 ISO 800 13 mm

After an incredibly long ride after an incredibly long day at work we met the city in all her glory! We haven’t seen Jenn & Aaron since last year at this time and we were greeted with great hospitality. We decided to enjoy a fabulous meal at Alta in the West Village Manhattan. This crazy busy Tapas bar was bumping when we got there chest to chest we shuffled our way through the bar and was escorted to our fabulous, nearly private, seating on the balcony. Knowing the staff at a restaurant is always a good thing and Aaron & Jenn have friends in the industry. A simple sample meal turned into 24 different small plates and amazing drinks. Full to the brim and smiles all around we decided to walk a few blocks to get things moving a bit. Along the way I was fascinated with a city that never sleeps but seems to need to keep her awake patrons out of a lot of places. Bolted down and locked up seemed to be the theme.

Project 365 2010 – Day 254 10/07/2010

f2.81/125 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away and know when to run
You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealing’s done

Project 365 2010 – Day 253 10/06/2010

f3.5 1/2000 ISO 100 17-55 mm

When the clouds opened the skies lit up!

Project 365 2010 – Day 252 10/05/2010

f2.8 1/125 ISO 100 70-200 mm

Being at the right place at the right time is the name of the game, especially when it comes to nature photography. I pulled up to my shooting location today and there was an awesome group of birds ready to be shot. As I aimed the camera towards them they scattered like I was a hunter. One lone bird sat on in its spot as if it knew I was no harm. I switched lens to get right on top and as I was ready to click the shot, it scattered! Still managing to capture the feather torpedo in the frame I decided this would be the shot. I loved the angle of flight and the pure directional travel of the bird. If only I was at the right place at the right time, or is this far more interesting than what could have been?

Project 365 2010 – Day 251 10/04/2010

f2.8 1/125 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Fun with abstraction and COLOR!

Project 365 2010 – Day 250 10/03/2010

f9 1/25 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Out with the old to make room for the new. Kristin and I spent the afternoon in the basement cleaning. Much needed cleaning was long overdue and had been filling my mind for the last couple of months. Every time I walked down stairs I would just wish that someone had come down there and removed all the crap that we no longer wanted. With some planning we went right to it after a cup of coffee, wishing that cup lasted a lot longer then it did, before I knew it the basement was swept clean, old removed, not wanted ready to tag sale and Kristin and I feeling extremely accomplished!

Project 365 2010 – Day 249 10/02/2010

f15 1/250 ISO 100 17-55 mm

This could be my favorite photo of my parents. These two I love so much, they brought me into this world and easily have allowed me to experience life to its fullest. It really isn’t often that you can say two of your best friends are family, much less your parents, but its true. My mother was standing over me blocking the sun as we discussed the upcoming week, small talk turned into a creative moment. Her understanding of the camera, made it easy to explain why she needed to remain there, my fathers understand…well…maybe not so much. He gladly took to my mothers shoulder and held still while I captured a fantastic photo of the two of them. I love this photo and I love them both, thanks for making football Saturdays even more enjoyable and a family affair!

Project 365 2010 – Day 248 10/01/2010

f5 1/250 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Never have I seen alternative energy look so beautiful. With the weather providing zero energy, I found these panels rather Ironic. The simple lines and beautifully organic clouds made for a great photo today. Man made meets nature for growth and development nice for a change.

Project 365 2010 – Day 247 09/30/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 800 70-200 mm

Tropical storm Nicole has been crawling her way through the northeast all day. Its been enjoyable seeing the lack of tropical storm coverage on the news since they blew the last one out of proportion. The winds have been whipping all day and the rain hasn’t stopped. On a day like this all I really wanted to do was crawl under the covers with a book and relax while the rain created a beautiful song outside. Being cooped up all day in the office, not knowing if it was night or day due to the lack of afternoon sun, I was anxious at least to get a couple photos of what was making the world around me chatter. It seems as though when the weather is at it worst we all have the most to talk about. Why don’t we talk about the beautiful day? Its always “wow its awful out there huh?”, or “I thought fall was supposed to be dry and crisp” rather when its super weather out all we seem to say is hello, hey or hi. Perhaps small talk should expand from the weather to…ohh I don’t know…well, the weather is fine I guess.

Project 365 2010 – Day 246 09/29/2010

f2.8 1/30 ISO 160 17-55 mm

It was a great evening tonight with some awesome people. A long time friend Adam & and his wife Lisa hosted a great autumn dinner party tonight. Invited guests included my parents. Admiring Adam & Lisa’s beautiful home I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful hand made clocks on his mantel. His 87 year old grandfather made these clocks for each of his grand children. His blood, sweat and tears went into these pieces that will watch the hands of time pass as each of their lives grow and develop. Its these sentimental pieces that define the past and develop into the future. With a little one on the way I just hope that Adam’s son is able to meet his grandfather understand the man that keeps his family’s time, father time.

Project 365 2010 – Day 245 09/28/2010

f2.8 1/20 ISO 160 17-55 mm

After waiting for years and years tonight was the night to head to the fair. I felt like a little kid all day, just giddy with the thought of all that great food, fun and friends. When we arrived the rain was falling but we pushed on. I knew it was going to serve me well tonight, for when the sun falls the wet pavement and world around glows. We enjoyed all that the fair had to offer, as the night came to a close we  roamed through the midway. With nearly no one in sight, the carnies began their barking. Full of confidence we only fell to few of their claims. In between shots I pointed the lens towards the whipping metal and lights. The seemingly board employees tried their hardest to coax us in but none of them succeeded. The images captured were stunning but the glimpse of life I am not living made for a realization of how difficult things can be.

Project 365 2010 – Day 244 09/27/2010

f2.8 1/200 ISO 250 17-55 mm

I wasn’t able to post last night due to some awful internet issues. Spending the afternoon home for about two hours solved that problem with the help of a Charter Communications tech. I spent last evening after work taking some head shots of a beautiful young lady full of life and spirit headed towards the big time. She is auditioning for a role in a movie this weekend in Boston and was in need of some head shots. I was so honored to be the one to capture such beauty for her future. She is full of life, drama and has a look that is sure to score a role in something great. Best of luck Casey and knock’em dead with that killer personality!

Project 365 2010 – Day 243 09/26/2010

f2.8 1/50 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Wrapping up the Sunday with a nice family dinner is always a great way to realize how fortunate you are. With what seemed like an extremely fun, loud, hazy and quick weekend blowing by Mom & Dad called and asked if we would like to join them for dinner. Kristin and I never pass up a dinner out and much less with the parents. We headed over to one of your favorite Sushi, Chinese BYOB establishments, near where I used to live. The sushi chef has an amazing ability to present and build some fabulous creations out nearly all raw materials. As he was preparing a meal for another table I left out conversation quickly to pop this colorful and well lit shot. Happy Sunday and good-bye weekend.

Project 365 2010 – Day 242 09/25/2010

f5 1/250 ISO 100 18-270 mm

Tailgating at the UConn Game was a blast as always, making friends and catching up with old ones.

Project 365 2010 – Day 241 09/24/2010

f1.4 1/25 ISO 100 50 mm

Sake shots at Hibachi, YIKES!

Project 365 2010 – Day 240 09/23/2010

f6.3 1/8000 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

My mind was blown today. I headed to the Gallery and the space is real, the project is real, I am going to be in a gallery. I have dreamed of this day from the point in which I considered this project. That was the day in which I became an artist. I set out on a quest and that quest now has a destination, the gallery. On my way out of the space I looked towards the sky with a smile on my face, a feeling of accomplishment. Quickly the realization of the where I was came to be. A large plane from the local air force base came screaming across the sky, so low I could feel what I was seeing in my chest. The scream of the engines drew my eyes northward, the hanging bird seemed to crawl across the sky. The quick realization of being a man in a world of conflict came to me. I was more then the artist, I was one of many and my project means nothing more then what I see daily, hopefully my view on the world will inspire and change a perspective, hopefully.

Project 365 2010 – Day 239 09/22/2010

f4.5 1/80 ISO 160 17-55 mm IS

Always looking and never trusting your self is a strong cause of exploration. Wrapping up the day I kept being drawn to the sky on the way home. The sun kept shooting it’s rays between the clouds. I focused most of my shooting this afternoon on creating something amazing out of what nature was already doing. This is incredibly tough to take something nearly perfect already and make it your own. Without success and nearly giving up on the spot I picked up head up and climbed a crumbled rock wall in loafers, pressed suit pants and tie. I chuckled to myself thinking how funny and out of place I must look amongst the hobo camps and fishing spots. I turned around to see where I had come and found this Cathedral of concrete. The engineers, I doubt have realized what wonder they have created. With the help of the rising and falling Connecticut River, painting her marks like your grandmother’s growth chart, the decorated the walls filled with color and life and brought a breath to this “concrete cathedral”

Project 365 2010 – Day 238 09/21/2010

f7.1 1/100 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

Perhaps one of my favorite things about photography is where it can take you. Sometimes the places it takes you are in your mind creating stories or trying to tell a story. Other times it really is about where your feet take you when you have a camera in your hand. My mind seems to wonder and my feet follow while I I grip my camera body. Today after a busy day in the office Kristin and I decided to take a walk and look together for the photo of the day, well actually Kristin was on the hunt for the illusive abandoned rail road spike, which she found. As we talked about our day, exercised, engaged our minds and had some laughs we accomplished so much together. We both had the opportunity to watch the sunset on a week night together for no other reason then to go on a walk, and find a photo, and each other.

Project 365 2010 – Day 237 09/20/2010

f2.8 1/8 ISO 800 17-55 mm IS

As we walked the back alley’s of Northampton on our way home it’s easy to see light painting its pictures all around us. The sun is usually the artistic master but when the master calls it a night his apprentices come out and create!

Project 365 2010 – Day 236 09/19/2010

f1.6 1/80 ISO 1600 50 mm IS

Its nice to know that even after a great day, it simply gets better when I see this beautiful face!

Project 365 2010 – Day 235 09/18/2010

f3.5 1/4000 ISO 100 70-200 mm IS

As the sunset overhead the world kept moving. We had a super productive day today keeping pace with what we seem to be neglecting, we set aside a day for errands and work. Traveling from Western Mass to Central CT and back we stayed on task. At times I felt like we were traveling in a tunnel, only looking forward and to what needed to be accomplished. When we had both reached our tipping point, I looked up. The sun was setting on an amazing early fall night and the rest of the world seemed to pick up where we left off racing to the next place and needing to get there. The thick clouds almost seemed to swallow up this Jet Stream as if its destination might be determined by the end of its digestive track.

Project 365 2010 – Day 234 09/17/2010

f3.5 1.6 sec ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear
And I can’t help but ask myself how much I let the fear
Take the wheel and steer
It’s driven me before
And it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal
But lately I’m beginning to find that I
Should be the one behind the wheel

Project 365 2010 – Day 233 09/16/2010

f2.8 1/80 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

Stepping out every morning I brace myself for the day ahead of me. Not necessarily knowing what the day my bring I approach it with will and wonder. Today as I moved towards the weekend I was careful to check my first step. There lying in front of me was this unfortunate creature. A mouse that had seen its last day the evening before. We have a cat next door to us that is rather proficient at catching and killing mice, if you ask me that’s about all they are good for. I couldn’t help but ask myself on the ride into work if that mouse had approached the day with will and wonder? Did that mouse know it was going to be it’s last? Did the mouse take a leap of faith or risk to experience all that the day had to offer, or did our tail-less creature killing machine next door live it’s day to the fullest and take a risk that paid off. Perhaps it was all of these, but needless to say it kept my interest long enough to remember at times today to keep going, and make something of yourself, or you could end up on someone’s doorstep.

Project 365 2010 – Day 232 09/15/2010

f7.1 1/250 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

With a long day and extreme frustration over the speed of our internet at home, I am drawing a line in the sand, don’t cross me when the internet is slow, just sayin’.

Project 365 2010 – Day 231 09/14/2010

f4.5 1/1000 ISO 1000 17-55 mm IS

When I think arts & crafts, road construction typically doesn’t come to mind first…Really guys…Really?

Project 365 2010 – Day 230 09/13/2010

f2.8 1/30 ISO 640 17-55 mm IS

A passing of the torch is occurring today. I am handing down my old camera to younger and more willing hands, ready and able to start discovering the fantastic world of photography. This little machine as I held in my hands for the last time today brought back many memories of crawling through to cracks of providence’s underground, shooting some sick surf film in the midst of an early October hurricane and many fun party’s. This is where the discovery all started, pushing what I knew to the limits and always looking for new inspiration. It has sat in a box since my new rig arrived waiting to be called to duty. Once finding the perfect hands and eye to nurture my shinning star, I was ready to let it go. Casey, best of luck with this camera and enjoy all of the images that come from it, explore the world through one eye but see the light all around you with both eyes and your limitless mind!

Project 365 2010 – Day 229 09/12/2010

Canon Power Shot SD870IS

We had a fantastic day on the golf course today with Kristin’s family, well most of them, and a great friend Adam. While some of the regular team was missing this year due to a birth of their first child, which is acceptable I guess, and a new work commitment we hit the links for the third year in a row. The weather held out and the competition was stiff. Here is a fantastic photo illustrating the seriousness of the competition. Get after it Kristin…

Project 365 2010 – Day 228 09/11/2010

f3.5 1/250 ISO 100 18-270 mm IS

With the autumn harvest fast approaching we quickly forget about the fleeting days of summer. Relaxing after a awesome football game and embracing the fall season we came back to the house to relax for the night. I walked around the yard and admired all the fruit that remains in the garden. With a plentiful summer it remains to be a bountiful early autumn, as long as jack frost doesn’t become a house guest any time soon.

Project 365 2010 – Day 227 09/10/2010

f7.1 1/100 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

Just when you thought you have exhausted all the options for a photo around you, you take a walk. I often forget that I live less than a 1/4 mile from the Connecticut river. It never seems like a source of inspiration yet I have always gravitated towards water my entire life. With the skies gray and the water low, the wind blew as I looked out over a piece of geography that I have forgotten. I will return here I am sure may times from now to the end of the project, whether it be for inspiration or contemplation I will return.

Project 365 2010 – Day 226 09/09/2010

f4 1/125 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

The man on the bus. As I was walking around town this afternoon a bus pulled up along side of me. I looked towards it as to see a shot was warranted. I was meet with disgust and distaste from this man. A man I have never seen before. Was he angry with me? Had the weather gotten him down? He looked through me, as the bus pulled away I managed to shoot this from the hip.

Project 365 2010 – Day 225 09/08/2010

f2.8 1/400 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

Being tipped off of a great place to shoot I was determined to get a little dirty and get into an interesting place. When I arrived I quickly realized why this place isn’t often visited. Arriving on the side street I noticed a drug deal going down and realized it would best suit me to keep moving, so I did. I will return to this spot I think, today was just not the day. With my eyes in photo mode I quickly began scanning the world around me. I found an abandoned car dealership and realized this would be the subject today. Being warned that I was in the wrong place by all the no trespassing signs, I decided to tread lightly. I always figure I can ask for forgiveness later. This window seemed all to perfect considering its surroundings. One of the few window panes that even seemed intact swiftly became my focus. The world beyond it was sterile and shot!

Project 365 2010 – Day 224 09/07/2010

f2.8 1/400 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

Sometimes we find friends in the strangest of places. Having spent almost the entire evening in the studio working on the latest wedding I realized it was that time. Looking around for the photo of the day can feel awful at times, like your not prepared for the final exam. Looking towards the light I found my answer. This guys has been loving lamp, since before it was cool, I swear his drunken escapades late night have caused me much work in the morning.

Project 365 2010 – Day 223 09/06/2010

f2.8 1/125 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

No bubbles no troubles…

Project 365 2010 – Day 222 09/05/2010

f2.8 1/2500 ISO 640 17-55 mm IS

With the summer fleeting and another season passing we embraced the beautiful weather with beautiful people. It had been a while since I had been home, and it was so welcoming to be greeted by such great parents. We had accolades to celebrate and many things to laugh about. Mom has been admiring this spider web as the summer season has grown. It is apparent that the life cycle of this uninterrupted arachnid is coming to an end. I quickly have forgotten that with the changing seasons come a change in life. This spider won’t be active come the fall and its life will have ended. While we sit celebrating life and all that we have accomplished it so easy to forget that the world changes as we laugh and cry, so embrace the moment and laugh as if it was your last and cry as if it was your last tear of joy.

Project 365 2010 – Day 221 09/04/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 800 17-55 mm IS

Today we had a fantastic day with good friends and a great couple. Justine was a wonderful intern of mine with potential that was beyond many. Being one of the few who came back and let us know of her successes I was more then pleased with her growth. Being invited to her wedding was an honor. What a beautiful couple and a beautiful night. Rounding out the evening with their first dance was a great touch on a perfectly quaint evening. Congrats Justine & James on a great life ahead of you, you both have potential beyond what you can imagine, harness it and run with it, your life will be amazing.

Project 365 2010 – Day 220 09/03/2010

f2.8 1/160 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

With construction all around us, I have begun to find some humor in the placement of a lot of these constructions vehicles. People have been inconvenienced for months now by a truck in their driveway, holes blocking them from passing and even outhouses on the front lawn. For the last week I have been admiring the delicate location of this port-a-john. Under a highway over pass and in front of a near blank canvas graced with the fleeting sunlight sat the lone comfort station waiting to do its duty.

Project 365 2010 – Day 219 09/02/2010

f3.5 1/2500 ISO 100 70-200 mm IS

Early rising makes for some great photos as I am learning. The day is young and the light warm. As I turned out of the drive away I noticed this lone man walking the streets, it seemed to speak to me. I instantly pulled over unpacked the gear and snapped this beauty and knew I was done.

Project 365 2010 – Day 218 09/01/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 1000 17-55 mm IS

Discovery can be an amazing feeling when you least expect it. Feeling like I was in a small photo drought the past couple of days I went out to discover. Discover something new in a new place, something that was out of the comfort zone, and boy did I find it. I had been scoping this blocked off road for a while and knew that I needed to get down there to see what was being kept form me. Admiring the lack of trespassing signs I locked the car, camera in hand and set out. My first findings were lacking, an old gravel pit seemed to now lay waste to materials from industries past, boring. Seeing a half paved road reaching into the darkness of the forest I knew there had to be something good back there. Taking a big gulp, and checking over my shoulder constantly my heart rate began to increase. Ducking under overhanging branches I suddenly gasped. There in front of me in all it’s painted glory was the carcass of a once loud and productive machine. This was the interesting discovery I was looking for. Realizing I may be stumbling into someone’s “home” I began to make some noise as to hopefully stir up anyone dwelling on my discovery. To my liking I found no one, but the signatures and remains of an artist’s hideout. Feeling rushed and exhilarated, my neck began to ache from looking over my shoulder I realized I had been there too long and didn’t want to be discovered. I quickly shuffled through the fence and around the rusted remains and back to the car, unlocked the door and sighed…

Project 365 2010 – Day 217 08/31/2010

f2.8 1/640 ISO 250 70-200 mm IS

Chaos behind the walls, the flutter of the wings and the soft coo of these swallows seemed almost explosive as they rattled towards the sky. I have been overwhelmed lately with everything going on in life. I have come to terms with the idea of just moving the bar to a higher location rather then trying to return to an old state of normalcy. Like these birds, flocks grow as the days pass, we add new friends, new responsibilities and new roles in our lives with every passing day. Sorting through all of these can be a job in itself, what requires attention and what can wait, who to follow and who needs leading. Sometimes it becomes too much and complete chaos develops, the key is reorganizing the flock. Seeing these birds just struggling to feed the flock seemed a task in itself, hopping from one location to another, moving swiftly a moments notice almost seemed soothing to me today. I am not struggling to survive I am struggling to manage it all and to be the best person, fiance, artist and friend I can possibly be everyday.

Project 365 2010 – Day 216 08/30/2010

f2.8 1/500 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

Back to one of my favorite places in town, this time for different reasons besides pictures, well kind of. This evening Kristin and I continued on the quest for the photographer that would document our day. Excited with the prospect of finding a photographer in our hometown and to my liking, having a studio in my dream work location, we spent an hour or so with a great artist. Still needing to make a few decisions and talk money a bit we were ready to head home. On the way I took a moment to capture some awesome golden hour light. The sun sat low on the horizon and the light just glowed, as soon as I got home I realized I have failed to capture this. I was preoccupied with the complexity of looking through the space rather than taking a look at the light. This building seemed to open up to the other side, a side I have shot before, this was a bridge to the past.

Project 365 2010 – Day 215 08/29/2010

f9 1/100 ISO 100 18-270 mm VC

The summer days aren’t past us quite yet, but the signs of autumn are showing. Today the Sanieski family gathered in it entirety and met in Sunderland MA at Mike’s Maze. Here in New England crazy crop farmers have come up with creative ways of displaying corn. This particular Maze is amazing, this year is a can of Campbell’s soup to honor the modern master painter Andy Warhol. Besides the 8 acre maze complete with a skillful game of printing press throughout, the

Project 365 2010 – Day 214 08/28/2010

f2.8 1/6 ISO 640 17-55 mm IS

Easthampton MA, Main St. Mural

Project 365 2010 – Day 213 08/27/2010

f9 1/100 ISO 100 18-270 mm VC

Being at the right place at the right time sometimes just pays off all to well. On our way down to the Connecticut shore today, as we crossed the Thames River, I mentioned to Adam all the times I have crossed this bridge I have never seen a Submarine. “wouldn’t it be so cool to see a sub just cruise by” well we timed it perfectly. Rounding the 16th hole by the water we noticed a large black mass moving with escort down the river…A Submarine. With a large welcoming party lining the river waiving their American flags and honking their car horns you knew our boys were coming home and coming home safe. I couldn’t have asked or planned to be in a better place and at a better time. Thank you for all that you do and Godspeed!

Project 365 2010 – Day 212 08/26/2010

f2.8 2 Sec ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

The studio has been moving and groovin’, crankin’ the Jersey Shore soundtrack I hate to admit it but its working. In between doing laundry, color correcting and uploading I am making stops at the fridge in the pitch black. The last time I opened the door it reminded me of opening the lid to the arch of the covenant, the blinding light from what was inside only drew me closer.

Project 365 2010 – Day 211 08/25/2010

f8 8 Sec ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

I love when a plan comes together. After a great night of meeting with our potential DJ and a lot of wedding discussion, I quickly came to the realization that I hadn’t shot my photo of the day. Leaving Kristin to the couch with her laptop and a bunch of wedding dress sites I headed out into the night. I have been fascinated by the world around us after dark, especially where I live. People come out at night and they typically have an agenda. Not knowing where the car was going to take my I headed towards Holyoke the city of mills and grunge. Setting up shop on the bridge between Chicopee and Holyoke I knew I was bound to find a good shot. I pointed the camera towards the Holyoke end of the bridge and clicked. Liking what I was seeing I began to adjust my settings. Taking a quick glance up I noticed down the bridge a car with some really bright blue xenon headlights. Not quite ready I clicked the shutter, waited the 8 seconds, and smiled! Trying to repeat the happenings with other cars just didn’t have the same effect, satisfied I packed up and headed back home!

Project 365 2010 – Day 210 08/24/2010

f2.8 1/13 ISO 400 17-55 mm IS

Dinner with friends is never dull when you don’t have dull friends. This evening was a great time experiencing a new restaurant in our own backyard. Bernie’s Dining Depot. This place is fantastic, classic dinner meals with a flair. The portions were huge and left us waddling back to the car to head home. The center piece of this restaurant is the full size Dining train car that is attached to it. With the sun down and the street lights aglow across this metal machine I was able to capture this beauty!

Project 365 2010 – Day 209 08/23/2010

f2.8 1/30 ISO 400 17-55 mm IS

This evening I had a great time shooting an up and coming Senior. I have been chomping at the bit for the whole summer waiting for someone to book a Senior portrait shoot. I kept remembering back to the days when I was a Senior in high school and loving every minute of it. Being a senior is a special period in your life, you have so much left to experience, yet you are beginning to be comfortable in who you are. Jimmy is a an active student athlete and has a love for hockey. We had been trying to put together some time to get outside for his shots but as his shoot progressed indoors at the ice rink, where he spends most of his out of classroom time, his spirit really shown through. It’s so much fun shooting a subject who is comfortable in their skin. Both mom and son arrived at the rink ready to go. Do to some tight scheduling we only had a few minutes on the ice. I had rehearsed the shots in my mind ahead of time, and when the shutter started clicking Jimmy came to life. Thanks Jimmy for a great evening, your personality will take you everywhere you need it, stay busy and keep chasing your dreams!

Project 365 2010 – Day 208 08/22/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 400 17-55 mm IS

A celebration of love wouldn’t be complete with out the love of food. Today we traveled north to celebrate the love and commitment of Kristin’s parents Walter and PK. They have been together for 34 years and have built and nurtured and amazing family that I am looking forward to marry into. A small mistake at the seafood store resulted in 6, 3lb lobsters for dinner. These things were colossal and very yummy. After grazing all afternoon we had all reached our limit. One of us was determined to push on. JP out of desperation and will was going to eat his lobster any way he could. After shucking and cleaning his fresh cooked critter he packed the almost 1.5 pounds of meat into the blender for a smoother texture. This was desperation, this was will, this was determination….and gross!

Project 365 2010 – Day 207 08/21/2010

f8 1/250 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

With a big day ahead of us I decided to get my photo done. The commitment to this project sometimes requires planning ahead. The flower garden in front of our home has been blooming for what seems like months. The beauty of the color shines brightly in the summer sun. I am beginning to believe that a whole ecosystem has moved in. Bugs and all sorts of creatures call this eye candy home!

Project 365 2010 – Day 206 08/20/2010

f2.81/50 ISO 400 17-55 mm IS

Dinner is served!

Project 365 2010 – Day 205 08/19/2010

f2.6 1/60 ISO 400 17-55 mm IS

A ehh round of golf on a beautiful night, I headed off into the Holyoke sunset to capture a few shots before the sunlight disappeared. Rounding a few corners I had never been down before I stumbled upon this gem. Apparently this is or was the Holyoke Artist’s Market. Stunned by the surroundings and the fact that Art has some respect this deep in the hood. I hope that this is the current home of the artist market and the art scene down here isn’t dead. If anything this city needs some love by those who are able to look past its grime and dirt. It really is a beautiful city and I am sure in its hay day it was the place to be or be seen. Now you don’t want to be seen here after the sun goes down. I am waiting and hoping and some day hope to be a part of the artist revival in Holyoke MA.

Project 365 2010 – Day 204 08/18/2010

f2.6 1/60 ISO 400 17-55 mm IS

There really isn’t too much more to be said here…

Project 365 2010 – Day 203 08/17/2010

f6.3 1/800 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

I woke up this morning
And I asked the sun
I said you have watched this human race
And how far we’ve come
You shined on our fields
When we first learned to plant
Beat down on our shields
As we battled for land
Beat down on our backs
As we built cities to the sky
Now can you tell me Mr. Sun
Do you think we’ll survive?

-The Expendables Mr. Sun

Project 365 2010 – Day 202 08/16/2010

f2.8 1/3200 ISO 800 17-55 mm IS

It seemed as if the skies were angry todayday. All morning and afternoon long the gray flat light lay draped over everything, no highlights no shadows, just gray. What seemed like for just a second I thought I saw a glow shining strong behind the clouds and then right behind that came a massive micro burst. Small but impressive, it dashed across the skies and at times it looked as if it was dropping buckets of water rather then drops. Just as soon as it was here it was gone.

Project 365 2010 – Day 201 08/15/2010

f2.8 1/60 ISO 800 17-55 mm IS

When I blink I am taking pictures. Today Kristin and I spent the afternoon doing nothing. This may not seem like a lot to others but for us its serious. We awoke late and both took our time adapting to the world around us. We both knew there was way to much that needed to be done that we couldn’t possibly just sit around, or could we? Opening binders and websites of wedding ideas and contacts, talking about what I want, what you want, what they want got us all wound up. We relaxed and both knew that nothing was going to take its toll on us. Dinner was prepared and we sat, looking as if the nothing was almost too much. She sat across from me and it reminded me of how lucky I am to be across from such an amazing woman. I cracked open my mind and she picked up the pieces. I listened, we talked, I shot for the moon she made sure we had the fuel to get there. The nothing was causing something, growth! Like this blog, like my business, like my life, like my wonderful partner we were growing right there. My mind kept pausing to admire her in who she is at these times. These times when love isn’t hugs, kisses or four letter words, but nothing! When nothing exists and growth comes of it between you and the person you love then you know something is right.

Project 365 2010 – Day 200 08/14/2010

f8 1/400 ISO 100 17-55 mm IS

There are days when being a photographer means a a little more then being the guy with the camera. Having just meet Ilise & Justin over the last couple of weeks, I was anxious and excited to help them make a lasting memory of their special day. The weather could not have been any better for this special couple. When everything comes together after months of planning you can tell. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the love of a fantastic couple. Shooting them was simple, the passion these two have for one another comes through with every smile and story to share. Thank you Ilise & Justin for allowing me to be a part of your special day.

May the saddest day of your future be not worse than the happiest days of your past!

Project 365 2010 – Day 199 08/13/2010

f2.8 1/25 ISO 400 17-55 mm IS

After a long day of work, we decided to help the poor…well kinda. Heading to Paper City Brewery tonight if you brought a canned good it was a discount admission. Matt showed up with some help with deluxe smoke sturgeon…who would pass that up?

Project 365 2010 – Day 198 08/12/2010

f2.8 1/15 ISO 800 17-55 mm IS

On the way home from beautiful South Hadley I swung through Holyoke to get a few shots. The light was low and with my new lens I was ready to test it’s low light capabilities. Well it surely didn’t disappoint. I had my eyes on a group of housing down main street that has a sort of slum look to it. A bunch of apartments with a courtyard that I am sure has a ton of stories to tell. After being chased out of there by some not so mice folks I turned my lens towards this gem. This truck that seems to belong out in the sticks was sitting in front of the typical mill style Holyoke building. The contrast of the mud ridden truck and the classic and simple industrial building just couldn’t be ignored. Add in some super low light and there you have it…a nice one!

Project 365 2010 – Day 197 08/11/2010

f1.6 1/40 ISO 250 50 mm

And we sic ’em on a chicken.
Sic ’em on a chicken.
Sic ’em on a chicken and watch them feathers fly

Sic ’em on a chicken.
Sic ’em on a chicken.
Bring out the butter and the flour we’re ready to fry.

-Zach Brown Band

Project 365 2010 – Day 196 08/10/2010

f5 1/200 ISO 250 50 mm

As I was driving home from a client meeting tonight the gears were turning. My motor skills were preoccupied with driving the car and my mind was off in another world. Thinking of that next great album layout or how I am going to thread all of these up coming photo shoots into my schedule I failed to pick my head up and realize what was around me. Since the start of this 365 project my head has been turning constantly looking for the next photo, eyes open and mind wandering. Lately its been the opposite, mind wandering and the eyes closed. I have been forcing them open and I have been pleased with what I have been producing. I came around a bend in the road and was witness to some beautiful light setting over the pioneer valley. The rolling hills at the foot of the mountains and the skies opening up with divine rays made for something beautiful and something simple.

Project 365 2010 – Day 195 08/09/2010

f5 1/60 ISO 400 50 mm

Gotta wrap a weekend of work up right!

Project 365 2010 – Day 194 08/08/2010

f4 1/5000 ISO 100 18-270 mm

After a fantastic weekend on the cape, we wrapped it up with a wonderful family gathering. Sharing stories and recipes as we stuffed our faces everyone was full of joy and happiness. As the day unwound the sun set slowly over muddy cove. The reeds sat still pointing towards the sun and the cove still.

Project 365 2010 – Day 193 08/07/2010

f5.6 1/800 ISO 400 18-270 mm

Gun control is “hitin’ at what your’ aimin’ at”

-Phil

Project 365 2010 – Day 192 08/06/2010

f6.3 1/400 ISO 100 50 mm

After a long week of work, I packed up shop and headed east, east towards the cape. After a swift ride and a fresh rolled cigar for the drive I was relaxed upon arrival. The wind blowing softly and the temperature dropping, the reggae rhythms rattling through the air we light the fire. Fire has a way of capturing every ones attention. Camera drawn I was captured and so was this beauty.

Project 365 2010 – Day 191 08/05/2010

f5 1/80 ISO 400 18-270 mm

And the rain rain rain came down down down
And the flood rose up up upper.

Today we had a crazy bout of a rain storm. It didn’t last long but it certainly dumped. Being a golf day my eyes were on the Doppler all day. After the rain fell the sun was hiding all afternoon. The heat was turned up and the Humidity was crazy gross. Its days like today where you almost wish it was the fall. The crisp air will be here soon enough.

Project 365 2010 – Day 190 08/04/2010

f2.8 2 Sec ISO 400 17-55 mm

This evening I spent with an old friend working on our knowledge or lack there of, of off camera flash techniques. We learned a lot and went blind a few times seeing stars. Things get really interesting when you add many different sources of light to one photograph.

Project 365 2010 – Day 189 08/03/2010

f8 1/6 ISO 400 18-270 mm

Friends, good stories and a good glass of wine seem to go together. I am thankful for all of them! Thanks guys for and amazing meal and even better company, we miss you!

Project 365 2010 – Day 188 08/02/2010

f6,3 1/150 ISO 100 18-270 mm

American pride seems to come and go with the season and the earth’s events. Sometimes we are yelling and screaming with a patriotic boom and other times we are just slapping America on our bumpers. This sign has been roadside for as long as I can remember. This farmer seems to wear his patriotism on his field. No matter the height of the corn or time of day his American pride and care for our US service men and women waives freely.

Project 365 2010 – Day 187 08/01/2010

f6,3 1/100 ISO 100 18-270 mm

Driving home from golf I pass a park in Holyoke. It doesn’t matter the time of year or the time of day there are always people in the park. Most often they appear to be up to no good or down on their luck. They all appear to have stories and sometimes I feel like they are writing stories as I pass them. I keep moving with a place to go, and they have already arrived at their destination. This man caught my eye as I passed, I was concerned about his welfare that I thought twice about taking his photo. As I pointed my lens his direction he lifted his head gave me a disgusted look and went back to his state of being, as far as I am concerned that was non-verbal permission to take his photo.

Project 365 2010 – Day 186 07/31/2010

f5,6 1/500 ISO 100 18-270 mm

We had a wonderful day on the lake today. Family parties always bring together those who you haven’t seen in a while. Sharing where we have been and where we are going is always great. My Aunt who was hosting the party has an amazing design eye and never ceases to amaze me. She had some of the wonderful wild flowers all around the yard and house. With the sun shining through the trees some beautiful shadows were cast on the flowers. The color was too strong to ignore making a great shot!

Project 365 2010 – Day 185 07/30/2010

f2.8 1/100 ISO 100 50 mm

The best way to wrap up a week…Beer and Cigar with a great friend on the deck!

Project 365 2010 – Day 184 07/29/2010

f2.8 1/15 ISO 250 17-50 mm

The half way point is here, I have been at this for longer then I ever thought I would have. Telling myself in the beginning that I would do the whole project to completion seemed like it was going to be difficult but I never thought it was going to be this hard. Seeking and searching for something new to photograph has changed my life. Every minute of the sun seems to change the world around me, the moon casts its shadows more then I ever noticed and being without my camera seems like an impossible task. The goal was to improve my knowledge of the camera and I am certain, my knowledge has improved. I look at the world differently and probably always will. I am proud of my self and my sacrifices to this date, and I know that completing this project will be rewarding. Today’s photo, I have been eying for a while, the water tower by our golf course is huge and menacing. Its shadow plays a role in the town and the surrounding lands. I swung by the grounds just as the last glimpse of sun was falling behind Mt. Tom. The shot seemed to compose its self as most of them have lately, the time and experience is paying off. Thank you all to have followed me this far and thanks to my other friends who are in this with me. I think without you the rules and commitment would have been a whole lot different. Thanks to everyone for following along!

Project 365 2010 – Day 183 07/28/2010

f2.8 1/200 ISO 100 17-55 mm

On my way home today I was startled by these seemingly alien plant growing out of a church yard. The huge bush seems as though it has been attacked and overtaken by  a beautiful parasite. Its cotton like foliage seems to cover the entire bush and highlight parts of the plant with it’s amazing texture. The sun was shining the color that came through its leaves was perfect. I am not sure what this is but I do know its beautiful and strange…my favorite combination!

Project 365 2010 – Day 182 07/27/2010

f6.3  1/800 ISO 200 17-55 mm

Sometimes the world around you is just closing in…

Project 365 2010 – Day 181 07/26/2010

f2.8  1/20 ISO 640 17-55 mm

I feel like I have been in the studio all night…maybe I have. I need to get this place organized and sorted, not too conducive to level headed thinking.

Project 365 2010 – Day 180 07/25/2010

f2.8  1/50 ISO 1000 17-55 mm

Let the planning begin! I would not consider myself to be the typical groom when it comes to planning a wedding. With design and details at the heart of nearly everything I do I was super excited to get started planning. We headed to Home Depot and raided the paint section to grab nearly every swatch we liked and would consider for the wedding. Placing a pile on the Kitchen floor we began to sort and match. This was much faster of a process then I could have ever imagined. We both had narrowed in our heads what we liked and sifting through this maze of color was fun and fulfilling. We had accomplished something!

Project 365 2010 – Day 179 07/24/2010

f2.8  1/13 ISO 640 70-200 mm

With an amazing day on hand, an amazing wrap up was necessary. We spent the day cruising the pioneer valley checking in on all the hottest wedding venues around. We settled in on a favorite and I expected that would bring a calm to the storm….NOPE! On to the next stages of planning. Winding down on the deck with an amazing bottle of Cab Sav I couldn’t help but to notice capture and enjoy the 93% full moon tonight…I know because my photographer’s ephemeris app told me so…A must have!

Project 365 2010 – Day 178 07/23/2010

f7.1  1/30 ISO 100 50 mm

Sometimes Friday’s are for venting…

Project 365 2010 – Day 177 07/22/2010

f20 1/125 ISO 200 18-270 mm

Out cruising for the shot today I rounded the corner and began to chuckle. I couldn’t believe how perfectly similar these homes were. They were obviously from the mill that has since disappeared but their similarities to one another gave it away. Mill architecture has always been interesting to me, the clean and simple lines complex-ed by its purpose created just some amazing structures in New England’s past.

Project 365 2010 – Day 176 07/21/2010

f6.3 1/50 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Sometimes light just speaks to you. I came home today in the pouring rain and minuets later the skies opened up again this time with glaring sun. The rays were warm and the sun’s golden glow was strong. Sometimes photography is more about science then it is art. I knew that the angle in which the sun was falling was going to leave its cast over the land in such a way that I needed to wait around. The shadows were long and made great texture across an already starving burnt rich grass. The cross grains of the mower left their destructive marks making an almost plaid pattern on what minutes earlier seemed like just a lawn. Seeing and stalking the light makes for dynamic and exciting photography out of nothing.

Project 365 2010 – Day 175 07/20/2010

f8 1/640 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Today I spent a little time or should I say too much time getting acquainted with this lovely patch of sand. It was time for me to make my debut on the IRT volleyball team. The sand was soft and forgiving but the 5 games were a bit much for me, I was and I am spent!

Project 365 2010 – Day 174 07/19/2010

f5 1/40 ISO 4000 17-55 mm

On the radar all afternoon, I was waiting. Since we got nailed with that huge lightning storm in western mass at the beginning of the summer I have been waiting for another opportunity to shoot some lightening. With the warnings crawling across the TV screen and my eye on the sky, I headed out in the neighborhood to try to get a good vantage point for the impending storm. We had some good finger lightening dance its way across the sky but certainly not enough to capture in a split second shot unless you were rolling video. I pulled out my phone to check the progress of the storm and see what might lay ahead and lo and behold the storm fizzled and died. This is beginning to remind me of what I went thought this winter to get a snow shot, not real cooperative not real successful. Please storm more I want a good show!

Project 365 2010 – Day 173 07/18/2010

f2.8 1/40 ISO 250 17-55 mm

Sometimes preparing a meal seems like a step back in time. One of my favorite parts of working in the Kitchen is the tools. Wielding sharp heavy portions of honed steel to rip apart an animal to feed your family has some sort of savage appeal to it. Once the chicken was roasted it needed to plated and de-boned for the coming meals. Kristin’s family has a tradition of roasted chicken on Sunday, its kind of a loose tradition wrapped in the needs for the family to come together and enjoy a meal before starting the week. We did the same today we both had a very busy day apart and coming together over this wonderfully simple meal was exactly what we needed before heading back to work.

Project 365 2010 – Day 172 07/17/2010

f2.8 1/400 ISO 500 17-55 mm

With the ring comes Bling…Let the wedding planning begin!

Project 365 2010 – Day 171 07/16/2010

f1.4 1/400 ISO 400 50 mm

Today I had a wonderful experience and a ton of fun shooting the CISV Springfield Village. This program brings children from around the world together to learn how to accept everyones differences and learn to embrance everyone’s strength to bring peace to the world. Its kind of a far out idead but let me tell you after spending a few hours with these children you begin to realize that it may actually happen. The key to peace in the world is education and teaching our youth

Project 365 2010 – Day 170 07/15/2010

f1.4 1/400 ISO 400 50 mm

While the time keeps moving forward we are always reminded of things of the past and some of the novelties that make life so grand. While wrapping up a less than stellar day on the course I was left to take a brisk walk though Downtown South Hadley. One of the anchors to the village is the Tower Theater. In its day I am sure it was a bustling place grabbing all the hottest films out of Hollywood and showing them for the local folks to dream about a place that might not ever be obtainable. Today I was dreaming of a similar place but a place in the past not in the now. I just had this feeling of where this place had been. The sign glowing in its marquee fashion with some burnt neon still dwindling trying to speak its message. Not forgotten but still alive!

Project 365 2010 – Day 169 07/14/2010

f6.3 1/125 ISO 100 17-55 mm

Today I found the place where appliances go to die. The loading dock that holds these pieces of American capitalism sits quietly as these machines wait for judgment. We buy and buy without thinking of where the old will go. While looking for today’s shot I found where they go, we maybe not where they end up by at least the purgatory location in the end of their lives. I find it hard to believe that in the excellent condition that some of these are in how they could be left for destruction. Most of them looked nicer then what we have. Only the fate of consumers can decide what is a clunker and what is a to be a savior.

Project 365 2010 – Day 168 07/13/2010

f1.4 1/100 ISO 400 50mm

The setting sun brought about a slow and soothing rain this afternoon, never pouring but always drizzling allowed the earth to relax from this heat for the time being. Once the sun had set and darkness fell, and some of my studio work was done, I headed out to the streets to see what the new found shine had brought to the lens. Our recently renovated yet still destroyed street had thousands of puddles about it. Focusing on where a large piece of heavy machinery once stood, the texture began to crawl towards me. The lamp post shown brightly in the distance illuminating the streets, reflections a bounty and a glisten gave life to today’s photo

Project 365 2010 – Day 167 07/12/2010

f2.8 1/30 ISO 200 17-55mm

Still riding the high, some of our dear friends have written to us to let us know how excited they are…

Project 365 2010 – Day 166 07/11/2010

f3.5 1/4000 ISO 200 17-55mm

The days seem to get more and more important as the last week has passed. Today we brought together what is going to be OUR family. Family is very important to the both of us, it always has and always will be. There is nothing like seeing the tears of joy crawling down the face of your mother and your soon to be mother in-law as they share a celebratory hug and a laugh that their children are all grown up. The dads, laughing as they call each other pops and argue who is older while hugging to welcome each other into our newly founded family unit. Having everyone together today really sealed the deal, the most important in our lives were all together to share in the joy and love, it going to be a great time in the coming year, let the planning and fun begin!

Project 365 2010 – Day 165 07/10/2010

f8 1/320 ISO 100 17-55mm
After an amazing vacation and some amazing memories we decided to wrap up the week with a very special tradition we started. When I gave Kristin her ring we were both so excited, with a desire to have that memory last a lifetime I gave her a padlock. On this padlock was engraved our names and the date we were engaged. With the lock we fastened it to the railing of the very spot that I asked her to be my wife. With a lock comes keys, knowing that our love would forever be in Quebec and tied to that spot we wanted to throw the keys away forever. On our way home we took a moment to throw the Key’s into the St. Lawrence river. Having one last chance to share in our memories we captured this split second and tossed the key into the river, never to have our love unlocked again.

Project 365 2010 – Day 164 07/09/2010

f3.5 1/200 ISO 100 18-270mm
Artists live and run rampant in the great city of Quebec. Being a tourist it was easy to be amazed by what they all had to offer. But looking deeper into the artist’s eyes it was easy to see that this is a life that is not simple. Hustling and struggling everyday to try and make that next sale to that next cruise ship customer. This entire city street was covered from wall to wall with paintings and prints from a variety of artists in all sorts of mediums. We walked it back and forth and talked to a few of these tired creators. We purchased a piece with the very perspective of the location where I asked Kristin to marry me. It seemed as if with every brush stroke and watercolor drip the artist was looking through our eyes at that moment. That’s what happens when art talks to you!

Project 365 2010 – Day 163 07/08/2010

f4 1/6 ISO 800 18-270mm
With an action packed and fun filled day straight out of a travel brochure day, it was really difficult to pick out just one photo. We spent the day on Vespa’s riding all around the Island of Orleans, then over to Montmorency Falls to enjoy and cool down under a huge plume waterfall larger then Niagara. After what seemed like a full day we experienced a Cirque du Soleil like I have never seen, a free show under a highway over pass in the open air surrounded by graffiti wonders. I felt like we had just bombarded into the cities underground culture and demanded them to get out so we could enjoy a beautiful show. The highway supports and beams were covered not in graffiti but street art unlike anything I have ever seen. Pylons adorned with full cathedral stain-glass paintings, and scenes from a world that can only exist in a twisted geometrically minded acid tripping artist. Taking a look into the inside of this seemingly normal and beautiful chapel mural, death lingers, a man stood in front lost in his life, a blank stair and a cigarette lit hanging from his quivering bottom lip. I couldn’t help but to turn and snap death plotting his next move.

Project 365 2010 – Day 162 07/07/2010

f5.6 1/200 ISO 200 18-270mm
Today will probably one of the most memorable days in my life. Its one of the those times in your life where a picture is worth way way more then one thousand words. In this case it is worth millions of words, emotions and feelings that truly can’t be described. The purpose of our trip to Quebec, without the knowing of Kristin was for me to ask her to spend the rest of my life together with her. I have found the one and only woman in this world who I love more then anything. She is the rest of me, she completes me and on this day and in this place I asked her to marry me. After we exchanged some time holding each-other and enjoying the moment, I took a second to snap this photo of Kristin admiring her new finger adornment, the place the people and the ring all in one great perspective! I AM GETTING MARRIED

Project 365 2010 – Day 161 07/06/2010

f2.8 1/640 ISO 100 17-55mm
After a morning of working we packed our bags and headed out for a much needed vacation. Quebec Canada was our destination and seeming that neither one of us had been there before it surely was going to be special. Arriving in the city was so exciting, besides having driven 7 hours and really needing to get out of the car, the city was alive and aglow with late 17th century french charm. Rounding the corner from our hotel we astonished to see the wonder that is the Chateau Frontenac. The symbol and masthead of the city perched at the end of a hill awaits and welcomes its guests to its classic wonders. The sun was setting and the amber glow graced the surfaces of the buildings and illuminated the green copper roof of the chateau, what a wonder!

Project 365 2010 – Day 160 07/05/2010

f5.6, 1/1250,  ISO 250, 18-270 mm

Wrapping up a killer weekend we hit the lake one last time, exhausted with time in the sun, beers and tons of food, lets just say we all weren’t quite as limber as we were when we started the weekend. The B-Roll was rolling and producing some epic footage. Doug was beginning to get a bit back to where we left off years ago. Tricks were being strung together and the show was getting good. As soon as the confidence was boiling over the water checked up!

Project 365 2010 – Day 159 07/04/2010

f3.2, 1/100,  ISO 200, 17-55 mm

Happy Birthday America! Another amazing day on the lake. When the day seemed as if it couldn’t get any better the sun set. The sky exploded with the color. Only the contrast on this photo was adjusted to get some pure blacks. The color was mesmerizing, we couldn’t take our eyes off the heavens, every moment the dance seemed to change. Nature provided us with fireworks this night, amazing!

Project 365 2010 – Day 158 07/03/2010

f7.1, 1/1600,  ISO 100, 70-200 mm

Kicking off the vacation on the lake I was more then excited to get back on the boat and shoot some really talented friends “schralping the nar”. Spending all day riding around around the lake we managed to stretch the riding session a bit later then we should have. With the sun setting behind Marrissa and the color dancing over the water this seemed like the perfect photo!

Project 365 2010 – Day 157 07/02/2010

f5.6, 1/60,  ISO 100, 17-55 mm

On the road again. With vacation mode setting in the car is packed and we are off!

Project 365 2010 – Day 156 07/01/2010

f4, 1/1250,  ISO 100, 17-55 mm

With a busy week of relaxing ahead of us I was racing around the house and town getting ready. Trying to come up with the photo I was looking around my surroundings. Suddenly the skies spoke. A amber glow danced across the tips of the clouds illuminating their shape and texture. The power lines seemed to be the tracks moving the clouds across the skies, moving so slowly and evenly at the pace of an ocean liner.

Project 365 2010 – Day 155 06/30/2010

f8, 4 Sec,  ISO 100, 17-55 mm

Often we chase dreams, desires and wants, but never realize that time is the deciding factor. Somethings just take time. I feel like I can hear my mother saying this phrase from my past. A few weeks back we discovered this amazing bit of nature. The perseverance and will to overcome the hardship just took time. Saturday the bloom burst on this rose plant and since it has been quite a show. The peach sunlight petals during the day sway in the breeze and the strong fleshy leaves seem to offer support and structure to such a delicate rose. I am so happy I was able to see fruit of my concern come to bud over time, what a show!

Project 365 2010 – Day 154 06/29/2010

f1.4, 1/125,  ISO 400, 50 mm

Feeling creatively refreshed and inspired after this weekends photo workshop, I was ready to get to work. I was excited to do my first formal Infant shoot as a professional, the sun was shinning and air full of a soft breeze. Infant photography is traditionally full of studio props and funky poses, while this isn’t really my style I decided to tackle this task from the natural approach. When a child is born it is life in its purest form, laced with innocence and a growing heart the child seeks nurturing and care. Owen was born just 16 days ago and is already surrounded with love that I know will allow him to flourish and grow into a strong and loving baby. Thank you Owen for being such a stud and allowing me to spin all around the room to get that perfect shot! Happy Birthday!

Project 365 2010 – Day 153 06/28/2010

f4, 1/100,  ISO 100, 70-200 mm

Today I had the great experience of shooting with the very talented and famous Jessica Claire. I learned so much in the short period of time and shot my finger off. This was one of my favorites from the vintage engagement shoot. There are many more where this came from but right now the rest is calling, enjoy!

Project 365 2010 – Day 152 06/27/2010

f2.8, 1/100,  ISO 100, 17-55 mm

After a fantastic weekend in the hills of MA. I ripped up my country roots and headed into Manhattan for the evening and tomorrow. I am going to studying with a world famous wedding photographer, Jessica Claire, and decided to visit an old friend in the mean time. With a bit of  a scheduling snafu, I ended up cruising through soho. Waiting at a light I turned to my left and noticed something that I thought I had missed, a public Shepard Fairey piece street side designed just for his May solo art exhibition. I had missed the exhibition but didn’t miss the art apparently. So excited I ripped the camera from the bag and snapped this shot. Time and vandal has already taken its toll on the piece but needless to say I was excited, I think I am kinda starting to like NY!

Project 365 2010 – Day 151 06/26/2010

f2.8, 1/125,  ISO 100, 70-200 mm

Today was a wonderful and special experience with some great old friends and some new found friends. Jenny and Rory celebrated their marriage today on a farm in Chesterfield MA. The setting could not have been any better for their likes, the country glam was flowing and the place looked fantastic. Everyone who was anyone in their lives stopped by to lend a hand or wish the the best of luck. After the evenings festivities were winding down and the pig shavings left to be devoured, I pulled the guests of honor aside for a quick photo session. These two are just perfect for each other resembling the painting American Gothic I had a bit of fun. Jenny & Rory I am so happy for you and thank you so much for hosting all of us and allowing us to all share in the love you share with each other, best wishes and tons of Love!

Project 365 2010 – Day 150 06/25/2010

f8, 1/320,  ISO 100, 50 mm

The return of the “deck weed. Back in day 126 I had been admiring this plant that seems to have sprouted through our deck. With a bit of help from my friends we have safely come to the conclusion that the plant is a rose. This beautiful bud rises from the deck reaching for the sun and growing by the day. I hope I don’t miss it in full bloom.

Project 365 2010 – Day 149 06/24/2010

f11, 1/6400,  ISO 640, 70-200 mm

Today in New England the storm front rolled in. There were warnings all over of the impending doom. Some survived with a quick passing showers, some got it worse. It just makes you realize what living in New England is all about. One moment the weather can be picture perfect the next living hell on earth. The puffy clouds resembling cotton candy sitting high int he sky remind us of the power and strength that nature can posses in its beauty.

Project 365 2010 – Day 148 06/23/2010

f1.4, 1/60,  ISO 640, 50 mm

Goodnight moon
goodnight stars, goodnight air
goodnight noises everywhere

Project 365 2010 – Day 147 06/22/2010

f14, 25 sec,  ISO 100, 17-55 mm

I have been wanting to take this shot for a while. At the top of my street lies a drivers dream. An “S” snakes its way under an over pass and races towards the center of town. The pavement slows all who know this turn, its neglect has left the unknowing driver to question why the road isn’t closed or at least marked. The night-time brings a dazzling spectacle of traffic trails mapping out the S for pedestrians to see.

Project 365 2010 – Day 146 06/21/2010

f8, 1/125,  ISO 80, 4.5mm SD 870 IS

What an amazing day on the course. I can’t believe how nervous I was and all the nerves disappeared after sinking two back to back shots in the drink, how much worse could I do? I was honored to have Kristin on my bag and it couldn’t have gone any better. The course was amazing ,our pro was a great host and Kristin was an awesome help. We shot 15 under for the day and took 3rd place. One trophy later and a lifetime worth of stories, needless to say it was a great day.

Project 365 2010 – Day 145 06/20/2010

f5.4, 1/6,  ISO 200, 13.5mm SD 870 IS

Besides an awesome Father’s Day with the greatest dad in the world, today was also paring day for the Travelers Championship Pro-Am. I was sick to my stomach all day long and really couldn’t seem to get comfortable. Kristin and I headed down to Mohegan Sun, to see who I would be playing with tomorrow. Well the verdict is in I am going to be playing with GRAHAM DeLAETE…who? I am not really sure who he is but here is his bio.

The greatest thing about the dinner was a couple sat with us who had played in the Pro-Am before and really took the time to ease my mind. The gentleman informed me that I could bring my own Caddy, and I didn’t need to use the caddy assigned to me. Excited, I walked over to the event coordinator and explained that I was added to the event late on Friday and I would really like to bring my own caddy, she kindly obliged, and KRISTIN IS NOW ON MY BAG! I can’t really tell you how excited and a bit less stressed now that I have the love of my life next to me for one of the most amazing day’s in my life. I am so proud to be sharing this moment with the only person who I would ever want on my bag.

Its going to be a great day tomorrow…I hope my skills show up and I am able to sleep. Starting on 17 tomorrow isn’t going to be fun!

Project 365 2010 – Day 144 06/19/2010

f5.6, 1/800,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

Scenes from New England

Project 365 2010 – Day 143 06/18/2010

f1.4, 1/60,  ISO 250, 50mm

A brand new club for a the start of an amazing golf weekend. Today I was at the right place at the right time and it worked in my favor. This week in Connecticut is the Traveler’s Golf tournament. About the biggest thing in golf around these parts at least. With a few scheduling errors later I was chosen to Play in the Pro-Am at the tournament on Monday morning. Needless to say I am so excited yet very very nervous. Playing from the “tips” with a pro beside me, with a caddy on my bag and Kristin cheering me on from the gallery is sure to make an amazing experience to remember. I needed another club to get me there, I don’t really expect myself to be dropping it on the green at all but at least this new baby should help out in the tough spots. Looking forward to it!

Project 365 2010 – Day 142 06/17/2010

f5.6, 1/125,  ISO 160, 17-50mm

I had an amazing day today with a wonderful young and very in love couple! I had met Talia and Matt back in December and have been looking forward to this day for some time. The weather was perfect and the location beautiful. It’s so much fun sometimes when the couple just click. Your subject just wants to play, Talia prides herself in her spontaneity and her groom goes along with just about anything, with a combo like this it just made my day so much fun. The tall pines in the background offered some great leading lines into the leading couple, the pose, Talia calls the serious face, myself the sexy face, together just made a great shot and a great day for a great couple. Congratulations Talia & Matt your day was awesome and my you love last forever! Enjoy that honeymoon and make sure to enjoy Dad’s gift!

Project 365 2010 – Day 141 06/16/2010

f1.4, 1/160,  ISO 500, 50mm

Sometimes the view is different from the outside looking in.

Project 365 2010 – Day 140 06/15/2010

f5.6, 1/100,  ISO 100, 50mm

Sometimes the texture just tells the story. I spotted this a few days back and didn’t have my camera. So upset about the fact that I let it go I had to head back to the spot to capture this decaying texture. The paint falling from its surface and the rust running deep leaves to question the original color and intent of this light post. Whatever it be the texture is far more interesting than what it was originally intended to be.

Project 365 2010 – Day 139 06/14/2010

f6.3, 1/640,  ISO 100, 50mm

Today is one of those holiday’s that kinda goes unnoticed. Its flag day here in the states, a holiday set aside for the citizens to remember the symbol of America. It was interesting driving around today an noticing a symbol that flies high over head daily that we take for granted sometimes. I know there are days where I am more concerned more with my to do list then I am with my freedom, I think that goes for most of us, but today when I looked up towards the stars and stripes I was appreciative and respectful for what our young country has done in its short history. A woman 233 years ago fashioned three different colored fabrics to symbolize a group of vastly different people, with vastly different thoughts and unified a nation. Today we still fly that famous symbol changed slightly but still meaning the same thing, hardiness, courage, purity and innocence, vigilance and justice, America!

Project 365 2010 – Day 138 06/13/2010

f1.4, 1/130,  ISO 800, 50mm

:p

Project 365 2010 – Day 137 06/12/2010

f2.8, 1/100,  ISO 100, 17-55mm

Taking some time to smell the roses. Today we spent the day in Hartford at Elizabeth park. The weather wasn’t really cooperating but we made it work. With two sets of great parents and a will to see the beautiful rose gardens we set foot in the moist long grass and began to explore. With the hundreds of varieties around the gardens it was simple to be amazed by the slight differences in every bud. It’s not often that we take the time to stop and appreciate what we have around us, being surrounded by the love of both our parents, and pronounced happiness, Kristin stopped to smell the roses.

Project 365 2010 – Day 136 06/11/2010

f2.8, 1/25,  ISO 100, 50mm

Sometimes the past is just hiding behind the present. Cruising home from Holyoke this clock tower has called my name, and tonight was the night. The modern street light casting their glow into my lens made for a great photo. The majestic clock tower hidden behind the modern buildings of today, reminds us the our super capable and talented builders of the past.

Project 365 2010 – Day 135 06/10/2010

f5.6, 1/640,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

Nature never fails to surprise me. Driving home today the weather seemed to be changing with every mile I drove. The skies were near black when I left work and by the time I got near home they were blue and the sun was shining. While looking towards the heavens I noticed this amazing feat of nature. Perched high above an auto repair shop sprouted a tree. It caught my eye immediately and I just knew it was the shot. How could such a seed grasp the tar roof and sprout a plant such as this. Not being able to see its “trunk” I can only imagine the sprawling shallow set of roots that keep this little gal growing towards the sky.

Project 365 2010 – Day 134 06/09/2010

f2.8, 1/15,  ISO 1000, 17-50mm

Yesterday I was graced with being the winner of a brand new piece of technology. I WON my first HD TV. After a great night of watching a fun movie I was able to capture Kristin in the middle of the action.

Project 365 2010 – Day 133 06/08/2010

f5.6, 1/500,  ISO 8000, 18-270mm

Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain
And the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet
When the wind comes right behind the rain.

Today was one of the great day where I get to be a professional golfer for the day, basically I get to play with/for the company. I had an awesome day on the course. The weather couldn’t have been any better and as the day progressed the weather got a bit more interesting. The wind picked up and the rain was on the horizon. It never fell but it sure looked like it was going to. Rounding the 18th we were alongside a beautiful farm. The wind was whipping and the fields freshly plowed, a perfect New England scene that appeared to be right out of a Oklahoma stage show.

Project 365 2010 – Day 132 06/07/2010

f1.4, 1/500,  ISO 500, 50mm

So beautiful, majestic and deadly. She swims so effortlessly  staking her onlookers, constantly calculating her next move. Confined with care and love nurtured to an amazing size, this creature has lived a wonderful life. Shooting this creature was like stalking a skilled predator confined to a glass coffin, with the natural light gracing her scaly skin you are able to appreciate such and aggressive animal as a thing of beauty and not a killing machine.

Project 365 2010 – Day 131 06/06/2010

f9, 1/13,  ISO 500, 70-200mm

We spend a wonderful afternoon back in my home town today. The weather seemed to hold out for most of the day and made for some wonderful time “decking it”. On our way home I decided to swing through some an old hometown park and search for that photo. The sun was nearly set and the skies blank. The color seemed to be dim but provide a soft glow. A small spill way was running hard from the recent storms, rushing over a beautifully crafted New England stone wall. The reeds waved in the wind and the pond rippled, it seemed to be just liked I remembered, so calm and serene.

Project 365 2010 – Day 130 06/05/2010

f4, 1/2000,  ISO 640, 50mm

With no rest of the Hussla’, I spent a wonderful afternoon with a great friend shooting a marvelous celebration. Today I was working shooting a Bat Mitzfah in Springfield. The ceremony was very special and the party afterward was a great time! After being on my feet all day the last thing I wanted to do was “play more cameras”. With the rain falling and the sun setting it seemed easy enough to pop a few more shots before calling it a night. The water droplets seemed to hang on the leaves as the sun graced the surface. For the rest of the week I will be sorting through the fun from a great Saturday!

Project 365 2010 – Day 129 06/04/2010

f8, 1/400,  ISO 100, 50mm

Seems to be a bit of an ironic statement considering the situation…don’t you think?

Project 365 2010 – Day 128 06/03/2010

f1.4, 1/13,  ISO 1000, 50mm

And the building continues. The construction never seems to end, at least its a muse for great photos.

Project 365 2010 – Day 127 06/02/2010

f10, 1/80,  ISO 100, 50mm

Manny’s Market, the local bodega. Behind our home is the project, the government supported housing. The activity never seems to stop day and night people are out and about. Manny’s nestled between to homes looks to be an oasis of government programs. From food stamps to card 47, what ever that is, entertainment centers out front beckon to the local buyer of the goods inside. The yellow glow seems to leap from the filth around it, shoppers come and go purchasing their needs.

Project 365 2010 – Day 126 06/01/2010

f22, 13 sec,  ISO 100, 50mm

Perseverance is an amazing thing. Our brand new porch was installed in the dead of winter, the earth was tossed and mixed, all forms of life were removed and the commercial materials arrived. I wasn’t sure at the time that this porch was going to be the greatest thing I had ever seen but I tell you now we love it. With life growing from its bowels and pushing towards the sun it has offered even more of an attraction. I am not really sure what kind of weed this is but I can assure you that this weed is growing and at an amazing rate, I hope to document some of its changes over the coming days so that we can see what can’t stop mother nature.

Project 365 2010 – Day 125 05/31/2010

f4.5, 1/400,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

A boat safely sits in the harbor on this day of honor and reverence to the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers. Its simple sometimes to look around us and be so thankful for what we have, but sometimes its forgotten what it took to be where we are. The volatile world around us is constantly changing, everyone seems to have the 10 keys of management success to fix all the differences of our huge earthly population. The fact of the matter is all of these differences will never be settled, and at what expense do we stop trying. Our nation is fighting 2 wars right now and we fail to realize the sacrifices that are made. I appreciate all of the loss and struggle that our soldiers have put forth to allow us to have a carefree day of enjoyment with our friends and family safely in the harbor. Thank you to our fallen and present service men and women.

Project 365 2010 – Day 124 05/30/2010

f1.4, 1/500,  ISO 100, 50mm

We were visited by an adorable guest and parents. Wonderful times in the sun!

Project 365 2010 – Day 123 05/29/2010

f1.4, 1/500,  ISO 100, 50mm

DraG Race’s in Ogunquit!

Project 365 2010 – Day 122 05/28/2010

f11, 1/8000,  ISO 1000, 50mm

Sun is shining, the weather is sweet
Make you want to move your dancing feet
To the rescue, here i am
Want you to know, y’all, where i stand

Bob Marley – Sun is Shining

The summer has begun. We are off to Maine to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Project 365 2010 – Day 121 05/27/2010

f1.4, 1/1000,  ISO 650, 50mm

A guiding light shines bright on the hill, guiding the young to the future and success.

Project 365 2010 – Day 120 05/26/2010

f7.1, 30 sec,  ISO 200, 17-50mm

On my way home from a great evening with an old friend, I began to see the skies light up. I was intrigued, every turn down the highway provided an amazing view of this natural phenomenon called heat lightning.  Having never tried to capture lightening on camera I set the camera to the skies and open the shutter. Dazzled by the spectacle around me over head I took a moment to enjoy nature’s fireworks. Although I was able to capture a very small lightening bolt it didn’t seem to have the weight of the over all picture, the moment I took to stop and enjoy…that’s what this is all about.

Project 365 2010 – Day 119 05/25/2010

f2.8, 1/1250,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

All things considered I am thinking that this sign didn’t do it’s job. Sitting at the intersection of  a major divided highway and a small connection road this sign seems to have seen better days. I often take a look at things and situations around me and “justify” them by making up a quick story to explain what I think happened. This usually makes me feel better about the unknown. I am not sure if its me hearkening back to my childhood days of pretend or what but it seems to make sense to me. Here I am thinking that there was a huge taco cart that was racing an ice cream truck, when the taco cart began to take the lead he failed to take the sharp corner and rolled right over the stop night spilling his taco guts for all the cute and fuzzy ethnic animals in the forest to come and enjoy! There that’s what happened, no one was harmed and the animals ate taco’s.

Project 365 2010 – Day 118 05/24/2010

f5.6, 1/25,  ISO 500, 18-270mm

Rising from the compost, these beauties line our property line. I can’t think a more beautiful way to divide property from some “messy” neighbors. The Iris is a one of those native plants that I feel has been left from the gods to allow us to think about what the intent was when designing this beauty. It’s leaves seem to open so delicately revealing a burst of color and more petals that coax all the pollinators to it’s sweet nectar center.

Project 365 2010 – Day 117 05/23/2010

f1.4, 1/8,  ISO 800, 50mm

Clean up comes in all sizes.

Project 365 2010 – Day 116 05/22/2010

f8, 1/4,  ISO 1000, 50mm

No that’s not snow on the ground in the middle of may. All day long the tree’s around our house have been doing a bit of spring cleaning themselves. Shedding their seeds in the hope that something grows. I don’t suffer allergy’s but if I did I am positive that it would be a rough day today. I am sure the next rain with change all of this.

Project 365 2010 – Day 115 05/21/2010

f14, 1/150,  ISO 250, 70-200mm

T-Tom

Project 365 2010 – Day 114 05/20/2010

f2.8, 1/320,  ISO 250, 70-200mm

I seemed to be at the right place at the right time today. After an amazing round of golf, I was cruising home when I noticed a sign that read “slow geese crossing” laughing to myself that someone made the judgment that there were slow geese in the area, I proceeded with caution. Sure enough coming out a scum filled pond were a family of geese, complete with 5 little goslings. Determined to get a good shoot in the setting sun I pulled out the 70-200 and set my sights on these little guys. Soon after coming around the car door the mother/father goose seemed to be upset with how close I was getting to their newborns. I went back around the car and started to shoot again, the sun was just hitting these beautiful creatures so perfectly I could help but to pop a few more shots than normal. Once they were a bit settled they seemed to be posing for the camera. What a find today, a picture perfect sign of spring!

Project 365 2010 – Day 113 05/19/2010

f2.2, 1/640,  ISO 250, 50mm

American muscle is an amazing sight. Today I had a great afternoon catching up with friends in the 860. I haven’t been back to Connecticut in a while and the trip was long overdue. While paying a visit to one of my buddies for his birthday, I felt a rumble in the house and knew exactly what it was. It was Justus riding his trusty Harley. What a beauty! Justus has been riding for a couple of years now and just made another purchase of a bike for him and his wife to go out together. This flat black Harley with red racing stripe’s just screams bad ass, with class. The chrome just seemed to pop right off the bike in the gray gross day, against the flat black paint it adds a touch unlike any other. What a piece of American Craftsmanship.

Project 365 2010 – Day 112 05/18/2010

f1.4, 1/80,  ISO 250, 50mm

Happy Birthday to ME! Besides photography one of my many love’s is fine liquor. Kristin gave me this very special bottle of Woodford, a Derby Special. Trust me I will enjoy!

Project 365 2010 – Day 111 05/17/2010

f4, 1/125,  ISO 250, 70-200mm

Today I had a wonderful afternoon with such a fun couple. I had met them in December and we discussed their upcoming nuptials. These two were a lot of fun and put up with a lot from me to get the shot. I was so pumped with it being sunny today that we were going to have the opportunity to shoot in the golden hour. As the day drew on the clouds moved in thicker and thicker. What seemed like it was going to be difficult shooting conditions turned out to be a great success. I still have to dig through the whole shoot but from what I am seeing we really captured what these two are all about, Love and Carefree Fun! I look forward to shooting your wedding in June guys, I know its going to be a blast!

Project 365 2010 – Day 110 05/16/2010

f4.5, 1/320,  ISO 100, 50mm

On our way home from our great weekend on the Rhode Island shore, we swung through Providence to catch up with an old friend. I decided to take some of my favorite roads around town to see how the city is progressing since I once frequented it like it was home. With the change in the highway systems and the downtown turning into uptown, it was nice to see some to the old industry come to life. This building is adjacent to the power plant by the water that reminds me of a building out of Gotham City. Like a cut that has been carved deep into this beautiful facade, its towering window carcasses and exposed skeleton sit and rust. It seems to me like they are working here and that this is just progress in the making. I love when life’s breath is brought back into such a fallen beauty.

Project 365 2010 – Day 109 05/15/2010

f8, 1/2000,  ISO 500, 17-270mm

The skies are blue and the sea green. Spending wonderful time with a wonderful person in RI. No need to spend more time on this lap top the task is done!

Project 365 2010 – Day 108 05/14/2010

f7.1, 1/500,  ISO 500, 50mm

On our way out the door for a weekend camping. Lots of time away from the grind and off to relax. I needed to get a photo up before I am internet free. Another amazing building in Chicopee that has been over grown by the earth around it. It’s almost as if when the humans are done the Earth fight’s back to reclaim her property.

Project 365 2010 – Day 107 05/13/2010

f1.4, 1/13,  ISO 100, 50mm

Always behind the cue ball…Always!

Project 365 2010 – Day 106 05/12/2010

f2.2, 1/50,  ISO 100, 50mm

Today I was tipped off by an amazing sight. Last week we had a crazy small storm cell rip through Springfield and it did some serious damage. The results of the damage have been gathered by the local municipality and placed in a pile in the public park. Why they are there, I have no clue, but they sure do make for some amazing photographs. In the pile was a massive trunk rotted from the inside. Peering through its fallen trunk made me feel like Alice looking down the rabbit hole. The rotted trunk made for a great vantage point into the wonders of the Springfield Public parks.

Project 365 2010 – Day 105 05/11/2010

f6.3, 1/50,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

Occasionally I get up on the soap box and talk about my views and feelings, typically it’s because I have found something I feel really passionate about. Today I came home from work and noticed in my brand new neighbors yard this large van. The doors were wide open and the van was full of dog crates and sad-looking pups. I am not really sure what is going on here but I initially chalked it up to a mobile groomer who was just servicing the local dogs. When I returned from a couple hour round of errands the van was still there and unchanged. I am hoping these are just visitors passing through or any other somewhat positive situation I can make of these horrible conditions for animals. If I see this van tomorrow or ever again rest assured I will be making a call to someone, they get the benefit of the doubt tonight.

Project 365 2010 – Day 104 05/10/2010

f2.8, 4 sec,  ISO 100, 50mm

Tonight was a busy night in the studio. I felt like I have been sequestered up here all night and my fair maiden awaiting my return from my faithful quest. Some really good things have been happening lately with the business and the creativity is flowing. It’s hard to come home from a long day of work and keep it all moving but once I am in it, it just seems to keep building. With my Simon & Garfunkel softly playing in the background and the LCD casting its gaze upon me I decided to call it a night and relax….Studio Closed!

Project 365 2010 – Day 103 05/09/2010

f2.8, 1/50,  ISO 500, 50mm

Mother’s day was today and it was a celebration of Mom of course. We spent the morning relaxing and catching up. It’s not often that I get to spend this much time at home and I am sure mom appreciates it as much as I did. It’s becoming a Dion family tradition at celebrations to indulge in some Oysters. In our minds these slimy and still alive delicacies are the epitome of yummness, and not to mention that an ice cold beer goes along side them. I snapped this photo of mom going in for her selection, her hands that raised me and now are shaping her future with my father seem to tell a story all in themselves. I love you mom, Happy Mother’s Day.

Project 365 2010 – Day 102 05/08/2010

f1.4, 1/30,  ISO 500, 50mm

Today I headed towards the northeast corner of Connecticut. My parents were born and raised here and over my lifetime we have spent many an hours driving over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go. Today on the way home from Gram’s I was trying to think of what I was going to shoot. The landscapes all around me seemed to be interesting subjects but I really couldn’t seem to be at the right place at the right time. The sun was pretty much set and daylight running away quickly, with my new 50 prime wide open I was able to capture this almost Tuscan landscape. The spent fields now growing their winter rye and the row of carefully placed well manicured trees that lined the back of the property. With the fleeting light this just seemed to be a great place to capture such simplicity.

Project 365 2010 – Day 101 05/07/2010

f2.8, 1/250,  ISO 100, 70-200mm

Sometimes art just seems to appear in the smallest of places. Everyday on the way to work I pass this little piece of urban art adorned to a concrete barricade. I have been waiting for the perfect time to shoot it and today seemed like a perfect day. I can admire the work that goes into urban art and graffiti, for I know what it takes to imagine and execute any piece of work. Not matter how big or how small these artists struggle to get their work out. I just loved the simplicity of this tag and not to mention its a stencil, which means the artist had to plan and prep what you see here. Urban artists need some credit too, so next time you see some graffiti look past where it is, or how it doesn’t seem to fit into personal property laws and admire its beauty as a piece of art not as defacing property and I promise you will begin to enjoy what these artists are doing to the walls around you.

Project 365 2010 – Day 100 05/06/2010

f2.8, 1/3200,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Today I spent the afternoon photographing a beautiful little baby. The day started out a drab and boring as I sat waiting to for the sky’s to open and rain dump down upon us. As the day grew the sky’s opened up and it was just perfect. Spring just seemed to come alive, the robin egg blue sky’s and green grass came to paint a perfect picture. This adorable little tike was in the perfect mood. With a proud mother by her side and absolutely stunning family heirloom to adorn her the photos just seemed to create themselves. I had a wonderful time capturing these family memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks Emma and Kris for great afternoon!

Project 365 2010 – Day 99 05/05/2010

f2, 1/640,  ISO 100, 50mm

I am shooting a Bat Mitzvah in the coming months and today was the practice for the event. The family asked me to come along and capture the moment. For those of you not familiar with the Mitzvah ceremony, it’s a right of passage or coming of age for Jewish Young Adults. The pinnacle portion of the ceremony is the Child reading from the sacred text. After the practice and shots indoors in the drab light we headed outside to wonderful natural light. The sun was shining and temperature perfect. I only had a few seconds to get creative, my clients are busy people and had more than a full plate ahead of them for the night. This is my favorite shot out of the creative ones, I just love when the sun rays pour into the lens.

Project 365 2010 – Day 98 05/04/2010

f2.8, 1/160,  ISO 400, 70-200mm

Swift destruction ripped though the Pioneer Valley. While I was sitting at work I quickly noticed the sky’s turning to that gray that makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. The wind started to whip up and the tree’s began to rhythmically bow with its fierce force. Awaiting the rain and watching it on the horizon, I raced to the car as to not get caught in the volatile storm and to be near my camera in case something grand did happen. They skies were awesome with distinct lines drawn between calm and angry. As I left the property I turned to my left and saw this sign of the muted destruction. A tree snapped at its mid-point ripping the power from the grid and leaving traffic at a stand still. The road just seemed to end and safety seemed to be lost. It’s amazing how quickly nature can rear her ugly face.

Project 365 2010 – Day 97 05/03/2010

f2.8, 1/40,  ISO 400, 17-50mm

Yesterday we brought home a freezer full of groceries. I quickly came to two realizations, one we have too small of a freezer and putting one thing in requires taking out and repacking 3 things, and two, Photography has invaded most of my life, including the freezer. I purchased some expired film back in December and I have been storing it in the freezer, perfect for that Holga shoot. Sometimes I surprise myself, when is too much just too much, I guess I will figure that out later.

Project 365 2010 – Day 96 05/02/2010

f2.8, 1/800,  ISO 100, 70-200mm

On our way home from a wonderful jam packed weekend, I noticed this great New England scene. These “Oreo” cows were basking in the pasture enjoying the shade of the lone tree, he white picket fence lined the back of the farm and the sky shown blue. This is really what New England is all about. We cruised through the back roads home and the nuances of the beautiful place we live in came alive. Sometimes not taking the highway home can be far more enjoying then the quick trip. Thank god for a last min errand!

Project 365 2010 – Day 95 05/01/2010

f2.8, 1/160,  ISO 100, 70-200mm

Back in the Field again. We headed up to Northfield early this morning to play a round of golf with family. It was more than the perfect spring day today and the course was really unique. After the round we headed back to the house for a bit of grill time. Evee was being as playful as ever and with the opportunity to try out the new lens it was on!

Project 365 2010 – Day 94 04/30/2010

f2.8, 1/500,  ISO 100, 70-200mm

Who says you can’t have fun playing in traffic. Springfield roads have been under some serious construction lately, and its been backing up the traffic flow like the night after an international cheese tasting. I was racing to get my camera out of the bag and switch lenses, when this jolly fella pulled up along side of me. He had is window down and was grooving to the sounds of steel pulse coming from my vehicle. I turned to look over and he started to pose, soon after his son was in the game as well. I took a few shots and continued to let him know where to see my photo’s, I never seem to stop networking. Feeling so good that this candid made the photo of the day, traffic seemed to disappear as my music got louder and I drifted off into my friday afternoon reggae coma!

Project 365 2010 – Day 93 04/29/2010

f2.8, 1/640,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

It’s always amazing to me what a business will do to get up and off the ground. There is a new beer & wine shop in town next to work and I suppose it makes sense to have someone stand at a major intersection dressed as a grape to lure  in new customers. Well it worked on me. I wasn’t going to make my purchase till I got my shot, this kind bunch of grapes was happy to pose for a picture. The sun was shinning and I think this grape was turning into a raisin, she was all set!

Project 365 2010 – Day 92 04/28/2010

f2.8, 1/320,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

On the search for something new today, and in a New location I discovered this chair budding from the spring greens ready to be plucked and placed into a late 90’s Thunderbird. I have had some promising news and in fact I am very excited about what the 365 might be bringing for me. I had been down at a local artist community today checking out the facilities when I noticed this stripped naked Ford Thunderbird. It had to have been from a couple of decades ago and it was just begging to be photographed. But the fact of the matter was, the car was just boring, it was a skeleton of days past and had no life at all, I have been a bit tired of these types of shots so I kept looking around. Seeing this seat almost blooming from the ground was just the coolest site. The light just seemed to drape over the whole scene and I new this was the shot.

Project 365 2010 – Day 91 04/27/2010

f2.8, 1/125,  ISO 100, 70-200mm

Today is an exciting day for me some new equipment arrived and I couldn’t be happier. I just got in the Canon 70-200 with IS and this lens is an amazing piece of optics. Picking up this 3.2 pound monster and placing it on the Camera body was sort of a divine moment. I never thought I would have seen the day so soon that such equipment would be mine. This the photographers lens, the lens they talk about…enough of that, sorry just so excited. One of the blog readers was talking to me the other day and recommended that I head down to the old mills of Chicopee, not the mills I usually shoot, but some abandoned mills that are in the process of being torn down. I will save the speech its so sad to see them go and I will talk about the sophistication of the methods of keeping people out. The miles of fence and alarms that surround this place makes you think there might be something valuable inside, but no, they are destroying it. This shot was shot across the street as I was being yelled at by some construction worker, I am on a public street let me be. I have come to realize that the construction workers are the most negative, angry and narrow minded of the people who yell at me. I mean relax, I am not going to tell your boss that 10 of you are watching one guy dig a hole.

Project 365 2010 – Day 90 04/26/2010

f4.5, 1/1000,  ISO 640, 17-50mm

I had passed this building many times and wondered who the artist was that had created such a beautiful mural. The truth of the matter is that this mural wasn’t created by a painter but by someone with a construction sense. Upon close examination each crack that has riddled this massive concrete structure has been filled in with some sort of compound that has produced an almost circuit board look on this abandoned building. The gray on gray coloring makes for a stark contrast and a very interesting image. I really want to do a portrait session in front of this…any takers?

Project 365 2010 – Day 89 04/25/2010

f2.8, 1/13,  ISO 640, 17-50mm

Well it’s become a little more official. I have been working hard to get the business running and making it easier to keep it running. One of the first big steps was the business card. Well I got it, with the name of the business on it. It felt so nice to see it in plastic, now if it only had a bit of money behind it.

Project 365 2010 – Day 88 04/24/2010

f2.8, 1/10,  ISO 500, 17-50mm

Fire with the parents as Dad stokes the flame.

Project 365 2010 – Day 87 04/23/2010

f2.8, 1/3200,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Sometimes the excitement over the little things just gets to me. When I first saw this Billboard I nearly flipped. I didn’t think there was an Shepard Fairey in Western Mass but I was wrong. Shepard Fairey is a street artist/graphic Designer that became famous with the OBEY campaign littered across the nation. Following that Urban art he was then most noted recently for his Obama Hope poster that I have always been in love with. When I saw this Billboard I just knew I have to shoot it. Its for the Art Supports Food Banks campaign. The image is just striking and in perfect Fairey style. The clean lines contrasted with the beautiful blue cloudy skies made for a perfect photo. Thanks Shepard for “selling out” so that we can all enjoy your art and message.

Project 365 2010 – Day 86 04/22/2010

f2.8, 1/400,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Once off the course I realized the wonders that the staff had placed around for our enjoyment. The sun was setting over Mt. Tom but once the camera was in my hand, the sun was hidden behind the storm clouds of the day. Not to worry the purples and reds of the Tulips were shinning through. Such a nice site.

Project 365 2010 – Day 85 04/21/2010

f2.8, 1/80,  ISO 400, 17-50mm

Its been a long week, which quickly turns camera time into a bit of a chore, a chore that as soon as it’s in your hands the mind starts to race again. Looking around the house I spotted a great shadow on the wall in our Kitchen. We have an odd” chicken in our Kitchen that watches guard on the debauchery and great cooking that go on in our house. It’s majestic figure just seem to chase its shadow, day in, day out…never succeeding.

Project 365 2010 – Day 84 04/20/2010

f2.8, 1/100,  ISO 400, 70-200mm

The construction continues. Outside our place the road has become a monumental task of building something…I have no idea what they are doing but it’s not going well. One of the workers kindly asked us to not shoot any photos due to the days passed mess ups. Seeing these trucks haul down the road made for a nice subject as the sun went down. The flooded roads reflecting and the navigational lights, brought the job well past the daylight hours.

Project 365 2010 – Day 83 04/19/2010

f9, 1/500,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

It’s really not that hard to realize our place in the world when you see the signs of a world tragedy in your own backyard. I have always had aspirations to see and experience the world, and there are times in my daily life that I realize I am doing that by living my life and opening my eyes and ears. The Polish President passed a week back now and the entire world paused for a moment. Living in a Polish community I encountered this memorial outside a polish deli. The local Polish population has put together a small memorial to remember the fallen. It’s very simple to feel a part of the greater whole when you stop for a moment and talk to someone from somewhere else, try a new food, or even just saying hello to someone you might have never thought of. We live in a global community, and acting globally can open us up to a whole new world. My heart goes out to the Polish people.

Project 365 2010 – Day 82 04/18/2010

f22, 1/6,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

Nothing a short drive over a super sketchy bridge with Kristin Clinging on for dear life to show a beautiful New England image. After another cold and chilly, less than great, round of golf we decided to head further west down the back roads of Westfield into Russel MA. I was searching with the help of Kristin high and low for the signs of the recent fires that ripped through the area. I was a bit discouraged when we couldn’t really seem to find any sign of the news making headlines. I did manage to notice out the corner of my eye the beautiful Westfield River winding alongside the road and decided to get closer for a few shots. Crossing a single lane, steel plated deck bridge and pulling just off the road, I hopped down an embankment and discovered this look into New England’s past. The Mill in the back of this photo is so far from being used and sad how abandoned it has become. The sunlight peaking through the gray heavy and thick clouds seemed to shine a but of hope over the loud rush of the dam emptying its contents into the southern flowing river.

Project 365 2010 – Day 81 04/17/2010

f2.8, 1/1000,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

It was an early morning on a cold and wet April day, that doesn’t stop a golfer from getting 18 in before starting the weekend. It was so nice to be on the course with no one else, the air was still, but the temperature never seemed to make to spring level. The clouds hung so low and at times I felt that we were playing through them. The misting and spitting sky kept the course and my body wet. The conditions didn’t really allow for scoring but all and all a great day on the course with a good friend.

Project 365 2010 – Day 80 04/16/2010

f2.8, 1/5, Flash Fired,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

This evening we spent some quality time with some great friends. It had been too long and with coming out of a long week for all of us, the brews were flowing. It’s hard to keep the camera holstered when in a new relaxed environment. I noticed with the dim light firing the flash creating a very cool effect. As Kristin tipped her beer to her mouth the bottle ran across my viewfinder just long enough to capture this interesting image. It’s so much fun to think you have the shot in the bag, then coming home to only discover a better one in your mix.

Project 365 2010 – Day 79 04/15/2010

f2.8, 1/8,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

One of the perks of working at a Grocery company is the samples. I mean really who gets to bring home fresh flowers flown in from the Dominican Republic only to brighten up your home at no cost. These flowers are just beautiful, they have no place in our stores but that’s all the better for us to enjoy. There is something about tropical flowers that has always brought excitement to my eyes, I am not sure if it is the exotic lines or the mere fact that we never see anything like this except in hotel lobby’s. With my kitchen table looking like a five-star resort I decided to shoot these beauties, while dragging the shutter with a long exposure and quick flash burst I was able to get all the wonderful colors with a bit of blur to add a nice feel and softness.

Project 365 2010 – Day 78 04/14/2010

f2.8, 1/3200,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Down the road from our home is a nice rusting corpse of past industry. I am usually seeking old industrial structures because they tell a story \, this does just that. The subject of the day is an old nursery green house that has since gone to waste. The glass roof has been smashed by the local kids, I am guessing, and the remaining organisms have persevered and pushed through the cracks rising to the sky.

Project 365 2010 – Day 77 04/13/2010

f2.8, 1/25,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

After a killer day at work today and having no real desire to shoot outdoors. I began to look around the house for something interesting to shoot. Being a photographer I can make almost any object interesting in my own mind….but in others that’s a different story. We had recently put this piece on the wall and everyday it grows a little more on me. I am really becoming a fan of the way that it crawls towards the ceiling and the butterfly’s, well, they are just a nice surprise, sitting waiting to be discovered.

Project 365 2010 – Day 76 04/12/2010

f4.5, 1/500,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

While driving home tonight I happened to glance out the corner of my eye towards the bar and see this peculiar site. The question is, is it drunk driving on the way home? They might be on to something….or on something not sure, it is after all Chicopee.

Project 365 2010 – Day 75 04/11/2010

f8, 1/20,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

After a great weekend out of the house we brought it all back home to relax for the night. As I walked into our home the curtains were drawn but the sun was screaming through a small sliver of fabric. At first I was annoyed as I was trying to work on the computer but I quickly realized it was the fleeting weekend that needed the last moment captured. I love shooting directly into the sun, not many photographers will do it, but the results are awesome. The sun beams can actually be seen as they enter the glass of the lens and bounce of the photo cell and produce this amazing image.

Project 365 2010 – Day 74 04/10/2010

f9, 1/400,  ISO 100, 18-270 mm

Woke up early this morning feeling great and ready to hit the course. It was a bit chilly this morning and super windy. It seemed more like late October then April. I was playing well till we took the turn and quickly regressed into a 5-year-old. We were playing at a course that abuts the Barnes Air Force base home of a F-15 squadron and few Med Evac Helicopters. To see such power screaming over head while you are trying to make a 3 foot putt makes things a bit difficult. None the less I have learned to always have the camera with me so I don’t miss such moments. I decided to process this shot with a little more vintage styling giving it the Vietnam feel, as I felt distracted by what was around me and could only imagine how those soldiers and our troops today can ever feel as though they are comfortable.

Project 365 2010 – Day 73 04/09/2010

f2.8, 1/2000,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Spring is in bloom all around us. The cherry blossoms are blooming and they look spectacular. I saw this grove of trees out the corner of my eyes and decided to study them. The stark gray of the skies above offered a great backdrop to allow these spring blossoms to shine.

Project 365 2010 – Day 72 04/08/2010

f4, 1/800,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

After a busy afternoon running errands I took a moment to look to the west. The sunsets the last couple of days have been just great, with the puffy clouds drifting by and some spring sun shining though, the colors have been so vibrant. On the drive home from grocery store the sun was high and bright, I forced myself to wait it out for I knew it was only going to get better. The moment before it fell below the horizon there was a fiery glow that seemed to shoot up painting the sky.

Project 365 2010 – Day 71 04/07/2010

f4, 20 Sec,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

We awoke this morning to the sounds of tank treads slowly crawling down the street in a militaristic take-over kinda way. When I left the house I noticed it wasn’t a scene out of Red Dawn but more construction on our street. When I returned home this evening there were fantastic huge concrete pipes running up and down the street. When I saw these my mind started to race with excitement. I was going to begin shooting during the daylight hours but the sun was just to strong. I waited a bit and knew the evening was going to be perfect. The light peaking into all of cracks of these concrete behemoths, casting all sorts of shadows and amazing shapes. The only real way to capture the surrounding light would be to use a long exposure and with my trusty LED flashlight I was able to create this..

Project 365 2010 – Day 70 04/06/2010

f2.8, 1/640,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Sometimes I forget that I really am a professional photographer. I work for a company that, allows me to be creative everyday and all the while make some money. While I don’t always get to do everything I want I do get to be expressive. Today I was shooting an image for an up and coming program with our rewards coins. It was a challenge to create an image that showed savings and excitement out of a single object. Spending some time in the photo studio I came out with this image. It reminds me of what Uncle Scrooge might had when he first started collecting his coins.

Project 365 2010 – Day 69 04/05/2010

f6.3, 1/200,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

The picture perfect woman of color.

On my way to lunch I pass this house, it sits on a main road and speaks ever so softly of a neighborhood that was once to be admired. The woman who lives in this house, and I assume owns the house, takes great care in her property. She is an old and frail woman who hasn’t given up on what she loves. She has painted her house the prettiest of pink and hung some dashing navy shutters to boot, she dresses herself in the same pink and blue to work so tirelessly on her loved land. Her passion for her home is unmatched. I have seen in the span of my lunch hour over the years, her clean no more than patch of snow or leaves. She moves so slowly but never stops. I can only imagine what she thinks of the world around her. The neighborhood is in a state of decay, the people with no care for the space they occupy much less ever thinking about helping the cause, and she continues to work.

Project 365 2010 – Day 68 04/04/2010

f5.6, 1/250,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

So really, what could define the oddities of my grandmother’s house more than this. A 60-year-old garden statue of Jesus with one white hand covered in moss, surrounded by the spring blooms of Daffodils and some Christmas lights twinkling in the distance. We had a wonderful Easter today with family out in the yard enjoying all the great food and drinks of the holiday. I did a quick glance around the yard and began to notice the crazy things that have still managed to remain in my Grandmothers “lost” garden. I am sure if you dug around deep in the mossy soil you might even find the resting site of the arch of the covenant. There are gnomes, and Jesus’s, and the Virgin Mother, old tractor parts and a few flowers strewn around for a bit of color. It really is a treasure hunter and photographers dream.

Project 365 2010 – Day 67 04/03/2010

f5, 1/4000,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

The weather has just made the days so much better. Spring has arrived and has been so good to us in New England. The golf season has started which means a lot more time outdoors enjoying the sun. Tonight as we finished our round on the course there was a wonderfully soft hazy sunset setting right over head. The country setting of Ellington offered some wonderful silhouettes to frame the photo.

Project 365 2010 – Day 66 04/02/2010

f5.6, 1/1250,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

A great way to spend good friday, on the golf course…The Ranch 17th hole. The course was wet but treated us well.

Project 365 2010 – Day 65 04/01/2010

f5, 1/1000,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

Tonight I traveled back to Hebron CT, for the monthly pilgrimage. I arrived a bit early and decided to shoot some of the controversial and classic portions of Hebron, the Center of town fences. These picket fences were a budget nightmare and once put in place they added some nice beauty to the town center. The New England style plain white picket fence seemed to be fighting off the warm sun from one side and fencing in the shadows. I just loved the harsh lines that the fence created as its beauty that was ignored by almost every passer-by.

Project 365 2010 – Day 64 03/31/2010

f5.6, 1/25,  ISO 200, 18-270mm

With the sun promised over the horizon, I wanted to continue to capture the flooding that we are experiencing. I kept searching all day for the best spot to shoot and really was coming up dry. I realized on my way home a spot I had been eying for a while was seeing some serious repercussions of the flood waters. I trekked over an abandoned railroad bridge and was greeted with an amazing sight. A grove of trees just beyond the flood blockade was swimming trunks deep in the murky mess, sitting still waiting for the water to reseed. The moss on the trees had taken almost a neon tone in contrast to the drab gray and brown that surrounded it. I had fully intended on shooting this scene in black and white but when I got back I quickly noticed the crazy color creeping around the photo. I have to say I was surprised with the texture and feeling I was able to capture in such a savage place.

Project 365 2010 – Day 63 03/30/2010

f7.1, 1/4,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

I had been determined to shoot in the rain today. It again had been pouring and dumping at an epic rate in New England and I thought I would take the challenge and get out and shoot, the rain. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, was it going to be a puddle, drops or drips, I knew it had to be wet. As I stepped out of the office it was NOT raining, the sky’s stunk of a past but they produced no moisture, was this going to be like the battle I had with the snow this year? I set out to find some sign of the state of Emergency our state is currently in, the roads damp and the puddles small….Hump? I drove over to Chicopee Falls and discovered a rush of activity and noise. The river was ripping! I first attempted to capture the whole scene and realized that it just wasn’t that interesting, more focus was needed. I walked around back behind the dam control building and discovered the old warning barrels, used to let you know you were too close to the falls edge, ripped from their buckles and crashing on the side of the dam. I began composing my shot all while enjoying the spills of water violently jumping off these barrels so dangerously, and I began to realize I had found the state of emergency under control by the systems we had put in place.

Project 365 2010 – Day 62 03/29/2010

f2.8, 1/25 sec,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Rain, rain coming down. It appears that most of the east coast is getting blasted with some serious rain for the next couple of days. It really curbs the desire to go outside to shoot but this one I was just standing on as I left work. This drain is in the middle of the parking lot at work and I believe is the main source of drainage. It’s kinda funny how people avoid parking near it in the morning. I have always thought of it as a challenge. I park over it all the time and ask myself what would happen if I dropped my keys. Its a test, can I grab all of my gear and lock the car without dropping anything. Up until this point I have been safe. The water seems to fall so far down this abyss into a dark place that I can only imagine what it has claimed in it’s belly. With the rain rushing the sound can be heard from all around, I didn’t really have an option today the shot called to me.

Project 365 2010 – Day 61 03/28/2010

f2.8, 2.5 sec,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Kristin and I headed down to Hartford to meet my parents for some Sunday dinner. It wasn’t much of a great day outside today but we felt we needed to get out. On our way down 91 I noticed the amazing flood line of the Connecticut River had risen well over its banks and started to overcome Riverside park in Hartford. This is a every year occurrence come spring and I have always been fascinated as a Kid why anyone would have built a building, playground, and park down there. Well, it’s still there and I wanted to try to capture some night shots. We traveled all along the river and meet a lot of shady not-so-safe areas as well as a lot of these road blocks. Apparently the city is prepared and they shut down the parks. With the headlights casting a glow into the boat ramp entrance I was able to capture the cloudy night sky aglow over Hartford. I am going to try to get down there before the flooding is gone…

Project 365 2010 – Day 60 03/27/2010

f6.4, 1/640,  ISO 125, 18-270mm

Today was the first day of golf season, now I know what you are thinking, “what does this have to do with golf?”. One of my favorite things about golf, considering I am not very good, is being outside and in nature. The land is manicured and molded to challenge every person who steps on the turf. Nature seems to realize the beauty as well. It’s often that you see all sorts of creatures roaming around and enjoying the protected space. Today as I was getting ready for my approach shot I noticed this huge hawk perched atop an evergreen. It stayed just long enough for me to get my camera out and pop a few shots.

Project 365 2010 – Day 59 03/26/2010

f3.5, 1/2000,  ISO 125, 18-270mm

Yeah we have castles in Springfield MA!

Project 365 2010 – Day 58

f8, 1/500,  ISO 125, 18-270mm

I spotted these lines from off route 5 in West Springfield they seemed so established yet so new. The sky was gray and gloomy and the power lines seemed to frame the sky. The industrial lines criss-crossed the picture making an interesting subject on a gray afternoon.

Project 365 2010 – Day 57

f5.6, 1/60,  ISO 100, 18-270mm

The Cabotville Industrial park, at least I have learned the name now. Here is what I call the Venice of Chicopee, I know it’s hardly anything the like but man do I love the idea. Reclaimed mill buildings have always fascinated me since I saw the movie “Big”. I think because of my large size I seem to find some comfort in spaces that make me feel small and most warehouse buildings will do that. It appears as though this area is undergoing some construction and these “porches” have been added to the backside of this mill, I can only image what it would be like to sit out there and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning dangling precariously over the mill river passage. I hope I see the day where this is the location of my studio, I can see the sign over the door right now!

Project 365 2010 – Day 56

f8, 1/80,  ISO 320, 17-50mm

This has been a safe shot for me since the beginning. I knew this building was an interesting enough of a subject that no matter the weather it would make a good shot. The problem is, I have been driving by it for almost a year and have built it up in my mind as the perfect picture….well…its a picture. This building is crawling with classic ivy and it has seemed to take over every nook and crease in the facade. Up close and in color the ivy is beginning to get its spring breath and is quickly turning green and lively. I just loved the texture and feeling of the flames of ivy springing from the ground scalding and burning the brick so slowly. Burn baby burn!

Project 365 2010 – Day 55

f2.8, 1/160,  ISO 320, 17-50mm

Gloomy and Gray this is not at all what I was planning on shooting today, in fact I really had no idea what I was going to shoot. It has been a rather gross day here in New England after the stellar weather this weekend. The skies were gray and the roads wet, I had to run to Home Depot to run a few errands and when I was loading the car I noticed a few racks of spring cheer. The retail giant had their spring plants out and ready to purchase. I am not sure they were such a hot item today but I am sure this past weekend and the weekend to come will have the green thumbs out and ready to plant. I really enjoyed all the color these pallets had to offer but became fascinated more with the water droplets sliding down the colorful petals. Come on spring, I welcome you!

Project 365 2010 – Day 54

f18, 1/80,  ISO 100, 18-270mm, Flash Fired

After an amazing weekend on the slopes in Killington, we headed home to grab some rest before the week started. As the sun was setting and its warm glow was fleeting we went outside for the last stout of the season. While it’s not a Guinness the glass seemed to almost wrap up the festive St. Patrick’s day weekend. The sun was just so warm I let it jump into the lens and brighten the photo, I used a bit of fill flash to bring out the detail of the glass in front. If there is one thing I learned this weekend it’s that spring is on its way and I am so excited to get outside and shoot!

Project 365 2010 – Day 53

f2.8, 1/3,  ISO 200, 5mm Canon SD870 IS

Out and about in TOWN! Killington got hit by “that group”!

Project 365 2010 – Day 52

f14, 1/125,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Out and about today in Quechee VT, if you don’t know now you know. It was an amazingly beautiful day today and Kristin and I decided to just drive. Where ever the camera and car took us we were there. A bit of small rock hopping and some glass galleries. This beautiful falls in Quechee, is the site of the Simon Pearce gallery and factory shop. They are an amazing glass blowing shop super simple, clean and design-tastic. The river was flowing big and the mist was swirling off the falls, huddled under the cover of a classic Vermont Covered bridge I shot straight into the sun to get the rainbow glisten off the falls. It was a great day today and I can only imagine what the day will bring tomorrow. Welcome all to Killington and let the fun begin.

Project 365 2010 – Day 51

f2,8, 1/4,  ISO 800, 17-50mm

Kristin and I are celebrating our 3 year anniversary out and about in Killington VT. We had an excellent meal tonight at one of our favorite restaurants called “the garlic”. They have amazing tuscan style italian food and one of the best osso bocco’s I have ever had. After our meal I was planning on shooting around the restaurant, they are somewhat famous for their excessively huge wax candle dripping pillars in parts of the restaurant. The lighting was really dim and made it difficult to capture the craziness and size of these candle messes but they are amazing and very cool to check out. Tomorrow we see what Vermont has to offer in the 60 degree weather.

Project 365 2010 – Day 50

f2,8, 1/1000,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Well its a big day in many regards, it’s my girlfriend and I’s 3rd year anniversary, it is the 50th day of the 365 and St. Patrick’s Day. While I am not Irish, today is one of those days you have to celebrate, I set my sights on green. I gave up an easy shot on my way home from work outside the local Irish Pub and was then tasked with finding another one. Back in the warehouse district of Chicopee I found this former loading dock now abandoned. Its green paint had seen better days but the texture just was coming to life. With the sun beaming down on my back I really didn’t want to stop shooting. Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone and enjoy something green would ya!

Project 365 2010 – Day 49

f2,8, 1/3,  ISO 100, 17-50mm

Today’s shot has come from the last possible place I would have expected, with it being so beautiful outside and all. With tomorrow a being a big day in our department, a new company image roll out, I spent the day buttoning up a presentation for the staff. I am very thankful for my knowledge of both a PC and a MAC but would give nothing to go back to the PC environment. Can’t we all just get along, the presentation I was working on today just didn’t seem to want to take hold in the PC world and was really getting on my nerves. This lack of cooperation also managed to pull most of the ticks out of my PC/MAC bag, but know there are more. The real thing to remember is that on a wing and a prayer this will go off without a hitch. I choose to shoot in the auditorium today because the lighting was just so entertaining. I never really appreciated studio/theater/scene lighting until I started this project. It really has opened my eyes to the drama and mood that can be created with the simple direction of a cast of light. Hopefully tomorrow this mood and lighting will direct, capture and entertain the audience so that they can see what we have been working on for the last year!

Project 365 2010 – Day 48

f2,8, 1/250, ISO 1000, 17-50mm

With the day being gray, cold, and wet I had no desire to go out and shoot my photo. Sometimes the best shots are inside looking out…through a overly ornate polish front door.

Project 365 2010 – Day 47

f2,8, 1/25, ISO 640, 17-50mm

Meet Evee, we spent the weekend in Northfield, enjoying the St. Patrick’s celebrations as well as meeting this adorable new puppy. Evee is the newest addition to Kristin’s family and is a real treat to have around. She was born on Christmas eve and is only 10 weeks old. It was a pleasure having her around all weekend watching and enjoying her bumbling and stumbling puppy playfulness. I spent some quality time on the floor with her shooting her as I would any portrait subject. By the end of my time with her this morning I was beginning to believe that she working with me, posing and playing as if she was helping to make each image better. What a pup!

Project 365 2010 – Day 46

f2,8, 1/250, ISO 250, 17-50mm

So I am beginning to think that the Polish and Portuguese population of my town hate trees. That’s right, is it even possible to hate trees? I don’t think it is, but over the last year my neighbor and landlord have cut down over 20 trees on a postage stamp lot. The fact that there were 20 trees on a lot this small was an act of environmental fortitude. I came home last night and saw another tree fallen in the driveway strewn about the yard and chopped to pieces. The gashes and cuts make for some really interesting subjects to photograph but the fact that I am shooting a dead once strong tree makes me realize that the suburban homeowner doesn’t understand their actions. I am sure that the lost of the tree will now make for great light to grow the greenest grass in town.

Project 365 2010 – Day 45

f2,8, 1/50, ISO 250, 17-50mm

Sometimes its as simple or complex as a conga line of Mickey’s lead by a Sasquatch…you would really question it?

Project 365 2010 – Day 44

f2,8, 1/25, ISO 1000, 17-50mm

Manchester was calling for a mini reunion. Adam and I once called this town home and may or may not have discovered every possible “sneaky Pete” route to get around town. During one of our adventures we discovered a rusted out old Ford Pickup with a Billboard plastered to its rear “Kelly’s Pub –>”. Now if this wasn’t an invite I really wasn’t sure if I had ever received one. Cruising down North St. sits an old theater with a lounge, its been open since the 50’s and hasn’t seen an update besides the replaced empty liquor bottles. Kelly’s picture sits over the cash register and his widow sissy pours the slowest best tasting Coor’s light I have ever purchased for $2.50. A little portrait time was needed with Adam after some true criticism that I really don’t shoot a lot of people we had a quick session. Using the rusted out 1971 Ford Trucks Mirror as a nice element of interest I framed the shot. It was getting a little dark and the ambient light really wasn’t helping all that much, and sissy’s pints were calling!

Project 365 2010 – Day 43

f8, 1/160, ISO 100, 17-50mm

I was really struggling today to come up with a new place to shoot. I realized today that when I am out shooting I need to concentrate on one  subject rather then a whole area. Often times I am discovering new places to shoot and burning them out by shooting the entire place and then only being able to upload one photo, I don’t ever really think to go back. Today’s blight brought me to the “rustic” downtown Chicopee. I was searching for a subject and this amazing almost albino tree seemed to shedding in front of me. The sun’s orange yellow glow was streaming across one side of the tree giving the back a beautiful appearance. I spent some time photographing all around my subject and found a bunch of other subjects that I am sure I will return to soon.

Project 365 2010 – Day 42

f2.8, 1/15, ISO 100, 17-50mm

LIGHTS, CAMERA, KRISTIN! Making her 365 debut tonight Kristin jumped in front of the car for a shot. Now Now, it’s not what you think, her headlight was burnt out and after about 30 min of taking what seemed like the entire front end off her car the light bulb was replace and working. To celebrate I asked her to do a little posing for me to try them out. She did a great job as I tried to capture the rim lighting around her, as It’s a very tricky process of shooting directly into the light. I have been working at this technique for a while and I am beginning to think I may be loosing some retina sensitivity…I guess that comes with the territory, it’s the price you pay for creating some amazing images.

Project 365 2010 – Day 41

f6.3, 1/60, ISO 100, 18-270mm

With spring around the corner I knew I couldn’t stay inside for lunch. On my way to the spot I was going to shoot I spotted this bike sitting in someones driveway. The color and light seemed too perfect to let it go. On my way back I pulled over and managed to frame this shot through the passenger window.

Project 365 2010 – Day 40

f2.8, 1/10, Flash Fired, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Our photo of the day today is the product of weekend warrior tasks and triumph! Our shower has sung, more like squealed, for the last year. It has literally drove us crazy. We have replaced the head we have tried nearly everything but replace the spout. Well today was the day to do battle. Armed with many a google searches we headed to Home Depot to gather our ammo. The installation was a breeze and thus far we have a squeal-less shower. I figured the shower not really all that often photographed might be a good subject considering I spent most of the day in it. Firing the flash allowed the water to be froze in mid motion creating a really awesome almost ice look. It also offered some insight into how aerated the water really is coming out of the spout. Enough plumbing for the day.

Project 365 2010 – Day 39

f2.8, 1/15, ISO 400, 17-50mm

I was tipped off a while back that Northampton MA has some real American history. Calvin Coolidge our 30th President had his first law firm in town. The door up until a couple of years ago was still there with his name plague. It has since been removed and brought to the historical society and rests there. This photo is of the still working original elevator in his building. It is operated by an elevator attendant during regular business hours, this is rarity. I light in this space was so awesome. I instantly realized this was going to be a great shot. It was one of those days when the first shot was the shot. I will return someday and take a ride on this American History Relic.

Project 365 2010 – Day 38

f2.8, 1/15, ISO 400, 17-50mm

Someone once told me when you work at a company the first people you should get to know and stay on their good side are the Janitor and the Cafeteria Staff. Well one of our Janitors is TOM, he is a world of personality and I swear sometimes could be the lead character in the Office Squeal. This is Tom’s Broom, he parks his cart in the hallway at work around closing time and almost everyday I walk by it and notice the broom head. It has some of the best texture I have seen in a while, it sort of resembles the blades of swamp grass or a youthful wheat field. I find interesting how you can conjure up such a peaceful and serene image out of a dirty old broom. Keep sweeping Tom, thanks.

Project 365 2010 – Day 37

f8, 30 Sec, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Arriving home for dinner in CT I seemed to be searching the whole ride for something to shoot. I had lived here all my life and couldn’t quite figure out how I couldn’t come up with a subject matter that I had always wanted to shoot. My mother is taking a photography class so it was very exciting and refreshing to hear her and her knowledge of the camera. We had a mini lesson in lighting and using a light meter, and a bit in composition. Struggling to come up with a shot of the day as I was leaving I saw this….My parents neighbors across the street seem to think it would be a great idea to illuminate the woods as though it was a prison yard. Lucky for me the shadows were amazing, the silhouette of the house and the contrasting shadows of the trees were so creepy I couldn’t resist.

Project 365 2010 – Day 36

f8, 1/200, ISO 100, 17-50mm

With spring around the corner I spotted a lost army of snow plows this afternoon almost demanding that the storm arrive so that they could be used. The army varied from young to old and they all seamed to have some strong battle scars, not from this year I am guessing. Standing at attention I examined them and really got to take a look at the unused tools of the year. This plow had a great inscription in its plow “storm”, it seemed perfect considering there seemed to be one on the horizon. The grit and grim of these mammoth pieces of equipment was amusing considering the amount of work the didn’t do this year.  Paid to sit…

Project 365 2010 – Day 35

f9, 15 Sec, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Still adjusting to the time change and getting over an airline cold I was stumbling to find a subject for a photo of the day. I began to dig deep into the archive of shot ideas and remembered a shot I had seen awhile back and have always wanted to create. The inspiration came from the Cadillac commercials of the past year with the cars driving at night with the focus on the driver and the other vehicle lights racing by. With a bit of risk and the Camera secured to the driver’s side door mirror outside I set up a few test shots in a convenience store parking lot and I was pleased with what I saw. Heading out on the road I began to fire away, having no idea what I had captured I was presently surprised when I got home. So today’s shot was a risk and it offered some nice reward. I might want to spend some time trying this again, perhaps next time being the one holding the camera not the mirror.

Project 365 2010 – Day 34

f2.8, 1/250, ISO 160, 17-50mm

Today we get back to the grind, back to the photo of the day thoughts and calculations. Today was a case of thinking you have your shot and realizing that when you turned around the shot was better. Before I left for Vancouver I noticed the sun every afternoon shining brightly on a few highway over pass columns. I wanted to capture the staggered glow they produced. Once I popped the shot I realized the shadows that they made were far more interesting! The criss cross of lines and texture made a really active space out of a normally boring and forgotten dead space. What a surprise I found when I turned around!

Project 365 2010 – Day 33

f8, 1/3, ISO 800, Flash Fired, 17-50mm

This photo really recaps the evening and this weeks vacation. With the Olympics over I decided to shoot some souvenirs that wrapped up tonight’s game. Being completely wiped from the cross-country journey I decided to pull a simple one today. Tomorrow back to work and back to the Photos.

Project 365 2010 – Day 32

f4.5, 1/300, ISO 400, 18-270mm

Project 365 2010 – Day 31

f4.5, 1/500, ISO 500, 17-50mm

This doesn’t really wrap up the day but it definitely capitalizes on what the track was dishing out! We headed out to the four man Bobsleigh event today at the amazing Whistler Sliding Center. This was perhaps my favorite day of events. It snowed and poured all day long. I was soaked from head to toe by the end of the day. We started the day by Hiking to the top of the course took about 35 min and I was beat. We walked the course down hanging out and enjoying the speed at every turn. This is a photo from “gold rush” turn at the bottom of the run. Turn 12/13 is the 50/50 turn half the field made it though the other half ended up on its side, like this! The sound a sled makes at 90 MPH on its side is frightening no one was injured and the American’s ended up in FIRST!!!! Our first event we ended up on top! Keep your eyes our 4 Man team tomorrow!

Project 365 2010 – Day 30

f2,8, 1/200, ISO 500, 17-50mm

Tonight I headed to the medal ceremony for the third night we have been here. It was a BIG BIG Canadian night, the fans were crazy and the Village was hoppin’. I was taking photos all night but this one really seemed to wrap up the excitement of the crowd. The Canadian people were so pumped and to hear O’Canada sung by thousands of fans was fantastic. As a side not we also got to hear the American National Anthem as the Nordic combined team took home the gold and silver. What a day!

Project 365 2010 – Day 29

f4, 1/4000, ISO 320, 18-270mm

Grabbing a Bonus ticket today to see the Ladies Giant Slalom we were really excited to see and cheer for Lindsey Von. The scene was great. After a quick chairlift to the top of the Venue we were greeted with snow, fog and rain! It really was winter here today and the sky’s were full of a gray heavy mess. This sums up the day. Tons of fun tons of great fans and tons of fog. The event ended up getting postponed so we will see what happens tomorrow!

Project 365 2010 – Day 28

f9, 1/320, ISO 400, 18-270mm

Coming up with a photo of the day has been getting harder and harder. I have had some issues with the internet access as well as over 1500 Photos in 4 days, almost to many. Today we spent the morning/afternoon at the Biathlon and watched the woman’s 4X 6m relay. It was so much fun to see a sport I knew nothing about and the people from around the world waving their colors cheering for their racers. The telephoto with image stabilization really helped to capture some great shots from across the stadium. Today the gray skies rolled in the mountains became misty which at times made the colors around drab, but not the spectators. We will see where the day takes us tomorrow!

Project 365 2010 – Day 27

iPhone

After an amazing day of Ski Jumping and Drinking we wrapped up the day by “sneaking” into the medal Ceremony. You have to be ticketed to get into the Medal arena. We waited outside and were given a few tickets to check out the ceremony. It was really cool to see the athletes we watched all day finally receive their hard-earned medals. I framed this photo so you could see the Mounties as well as the Flags of the winning nations. After the Ceremony was DEVO! enough said!

Project 365 2010 – Day 26

f9, 1/250, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Again wowed by the drive. It was an interesting day today leaving the beautiful city of Seattle and traveling north was a great time. With Dad as the at times not so trusty navigator, we battled through the pre-Canada Vs USA Hockey Crowd in downtown Vancouver to pick up our tickets and then onward and northward. Route 99 Sea to Sky Highway was amazing, views like the one above were around every turn. Being the driver and the photographer made it interesting at times but we held our own. This is a sight to be seen. I can’t even begin to describe the vistas around every corner we “wowed” all the way up the mountain. AMAZING. We are here and the internet is a bit dicey so hopefully I will get to a travel update tomorrow. Ski Jumping tomorrow, check it out!

Project 365 2010 – Day 25

f5.6, 1/400, ISO 100, 18-270mm

Seattle, what a city. We had a great day today roaming around this coastal gem. I am having troubles believing this place isn’t paradise after the 60 Degree day and the robin blue skies, what a place. We hit all the must see places, the space needle park, Pikes Place, Seattle Public Library…WOW!, and Gas Works Park. This photo is from Gas Works Park, and amazing public green space that was once a gray industrial waste. The cherry blossoms are in bloom and the sun was shining. This seemed to be a great snapshot of the day. We are off early morning to head up to Vancouver, more to come from this so far amazing trip!

Project 365 2010 – Day 24

f2.8, 1/10, ISO 800, 17-50mm

With the lights dimmed on a long 6-hour flight to Seattle, I saw a perfect shot. I was memorized by the flicker of the TV monitors on everyone’s seat back in front of them. I knew this light dancing around the cabin had to be shot. During a quick leg stretching session I grabbed my Camera and popped of a few shots. I just love the light in all is color. The posts for the blog are going to be a bit off for the next week. Pacific time tends to change the flow of things. Keep an eye and as long as the Wi-Fi is free the blog will be updated.

Project 365 2010 – Day 23

f6.3, 1/60, ISO 125, 18-270mm

Most face one way some face the other. Love this spot I have driven by it for  years, I finally had the chance to capture it. Headed west tomorrow, can’t wait!

Project 365 2010 – Day 22

f5.6, 1/400, ISO 125, 17-50mm

I have quickly realized that the 365 project causes you to stalk light. I haven’t looked at the sun the same since I began thinking about and working on my 365. It’s amazing how the time of day changes week to week. Mornings used to provide a burst of golden light but now its the early evenings. I have been scoping the local public pool in town now for a couple of weeks waiting for the snow to fill its void, but when I arrived I realized the shot I was looking to take was unobtainable due to the extreme fencing all around it. A quick walk around the park it is housed in began to show some great light and shadow areas casting all across this open park space. Space this large in my suburban area is a rarity. I took some time to try to capture the light working its way across the park as if it was skating across the snow. Once I stripped the color from this shot I knew I had gotten a good one, the bold contrast differences were as I saw it them in my head.

Project 365 2010 – Day 21

f5, 1/250, ISO 1600, 18-270mm

Had a great opportunity tonight to try something new. I was asked by co-worker to shoot her son’s High School Hockey team, complete with “press access” I had a great time snapping as many shots as I could. This was a totally new experience for me and it was a challenge. I was able to isolate this player completely from the action and the shot seemed to frame itself. I really look forward to shooting sports in the future it was challenging and exciting.

Project 365 2010 – Day 20

f2.8, 30 sec, ISO 100, 17-50mm

I was set with my photo today so I thought. I had already taken the shot in my head and when this happens it usually makes taking the actual shot a lot easier. When I got home I realized the weather wasn’t cooperating, such has been New England weather this year. I decided to try a few new techniques with some off camera lighting. Using a LED flash light and my speedlite I was able to create some really fun double shadows and distant lighting effects. To cap it off the color of these long exposures just seems to just POP!

Project 365 2010 – Day 19

f5.6, 1/320, ISO 160, 17-50mm

Good morning lovers and blissful dreamers. With a chill in the air I gathered this floral masterpiece while battling the retail event that is Valentines Day. This is my masterpiece, this is my creation, this is a symbol of the Holiday built by me. The vibrant colors scream festive excitement, with her classic favorites showing her my commitment a little differently than anyone else. Capturing the sun peaking through the clouds skimming across the soft petals seemed to warm this bouquet with its natural touch. With photography being a love of mine my true love is Kristin. Without her support in me I would have never gotten as far as I have pursuing my passion and filling my life with bliss and happiness!

I Love You!

Project 365 2010 – Day 18

f8, 1/160, ISO 160, 18-270mm

Warming up before the Olympics, I headed out to Brattleboro VT, with Kristin and our two families for some classic New England winter fun. This is cool, no really…this is awesome. This ski jumping hill has been in commission since the 20’s, its amazing that its in our backyard. The sun was hiding behind a gray blanket but the spirits and the jumpers where high. The ski hill is very difficult to shoot in that its size and scale are next to impossible to grasp. My fathers glasses offered a different vantage point and an interesting one at that. Vancouver in 8 Days, can’t wait!

Project 365 2010 – Day 17

f4, 1/800, ISO 400, 17-50mm

Ahhh..The Golden Hour. On the drive home tonight I was admiring the sun casting its rays on the world around me. You begin to notice these things the more and more you shoot. The light was perfect, I ended a call I was in the middle of for the fleeting light, sorry man. I had discovered that my favorite spot in town, an industrial warehouse park, had a photo shoot of its own going on.  A teen rocker band was getting their album shot done while I was casing the joint. With the warm sun on my back I began to follow my shadow like a picture show, playing with its placement, always looking for a cool reflection. This one seemed to offer a nice shine with the grungy contrast of the wall below it. I could shoot in this light for hours…but its gone so quickly.

Project 365 2010 – Day 16

f13, 1/50, ISO 100, 16-270mm

Sunny Days take the cares away. It was so nice out today, a bit chilly but the robin egg blue sky’s drew me outside. This building is a real estate steal, it’s a massive complex just waiting for industry to return. I walked along side of the closed compound and was able to shoot some great shots today. The brick color was warm and the busted frosted windows were beaming with a grayish purple blue hue. I never thought I could find such color in an abandoned industrial heap.

Project 365 2010 – Day 15

f6.3, 4 Sec, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Armed with the tripod and a little light snow falling I was going to capture a snow image today. Disgusted by the lack of snow I began to chase the best way to explain to a mid-Atlantic-stater what a 2010 New England snow was all about. This shot seemed to compose itself, the rain collected on the man-hole cover and the street lights offered guidance in the “treacherous” conditions. I waited for a car to navigate its way down the street and captured this interesting shot. Perhaps tomorrow will bring a white surprise as I walk out the door.

Project 365 2010 – Day 14

f16, 1/60, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Once again the beautiful day brought me out of the office at lunch. I know what you are thinking this photo has nothing to do with beauty, you wondering what this even is. A SURPRISE! I have scoped this abandoned car lot for a while now wondering when the recession woes will turn this wasted lot into its once fruitful business. The focus of my shot today was a lone car sitting in the vastness of depression when I gasped, no really I gasped. Getting ready to frame my shot through the barbed wire fence I noticed this carcass. Immediately it became my focus, I couldn’t seem to get away from it. What seemed to fascinate me the most was how did it get there? Here I was starring down the rotted corpse of a raccoon draped so delicately over the rusted sheet metal strands. I found it difficult to come to terms with the fact that this was fate. That raccoon had not ended its own life there. One of the great New England plow gods could not have ever so precisely flung it there. This must have been an act of pure hatred, to impale this pest in such a way to rot so slowly in the world, who could have done such a thing. I have no real insight into how this happened but I do know it wasn’t natural and it wasn’t the right way to dispose of such a pest. I do know of cultures in the world that have used such a tactic to remove some of the communities pests, perhaps those who committed such a terrible act might want to reconsider their actions while contemplating themselves draped so delicately over a barbed wire fence.

Project 365 2010 – Day 13

Photography is all about observation, composure and capturing a moment in time. Today I had a personal day to catch up on a few things around the house and with the business. While running some errands in the Valley I began to notice some really interesting things in a relatively saturated retail area.  AMERICA! Perhaps one of the best know brands in the world was flapping her “message” for all the world to see. What has this message come to mean? We have grown men dressed as Lady Liberty shouting to cars to rush in and get the best “deal” from Capital Hill, “I wave, you save!”. Motels scrambling to fill their rooms coax you in with…Pssst, “AMERICANOWNR” ohh and Jacuzzies, but wait, NO HBO? Is the American owner really going to improve your stay? Maybe, I don’t know? Car dealerships playing the classic “mine is bigger” with their America Logos. “You know I was considering buying that Jeep, but…, that Subaru dealer has a much bigger America Logo”, they could only wish that was how to sell cars. I am not saying I am not proud of America and what we have accomplished, but I am saying I may be a little concerned of how we are misusing the brand. I know this is a bit different from what I had done but, I had a few extra minutes to get a few extra things off my chest and photography got me there. God Bless America…

Project 365 2010 – Day 12

f2.8, 1/10, ISO 200, 17-50mm

Being an American “holiday” today and recovering from a long photo excursion, I decided to bring home a simpler shot. Nothing seemed better today than spending the day eating. After some amazing German food with great company for lunch we decided to Americanize the evening with some fried chicken and PBR’s (and Kristin’s Heineken’s). Sometimes the shot is just sitting in front of you. I haven’t busted out the flash in a while, and with the CRT TV a glow and a few “fancy” candles producing the only light in the room it was a nice quick exercise before the fingers got greasy and the beers got warm.

Project 365 2010 – Day 11

f4, 1/15, ISO 800, 18-270mm

The long awaited New York Photo trip was upon us. With one man down and the will to press on we headed into the Big Apple. There were talks of snow and a ton of snow at that. Salivating at the thought of shooting the city with a fresh peaceful blanket of the white stuff all around we headed into the city early. To our disappointment there was no snow and now color, gray drab bland and freezing. We spent the entire day from sun up to sun down shooting anything and everything. Some of our quests included, the outskirts of Queens, Citi Field, The Old New York Worlds Fair Site, Brooklyn, Financial District of Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, and Pier 71. Lots of ground and lots of great photos. This photo captured nicely the spirit of the day, with movement all around us we stopped to capture some amazing sites. There will be plenty more from this fantastic trip…keep a close eye.

Project 365 2010 – Day 10

f7.1, 1/125, ISO 100, 17-50mm

After a quick errand run, the camera was calling. I was cruising some of Springfield’s finest roads looking for something to catch my eye. The first thing was the new ALDI going up, which happens to be my employers direct competition. Fighting the urge to bust down the doors and check out what tricks they have up their sleeves, I noticed a pond and creek behind the store. There were a couple of guys out on the ice coaxing some fish to the surface. I was drawn to a few fallen trees, seemingly coaxing me towards their texture. The shutter began to click and the images appeared…

Project 365 2010 – Day 9

f8, 1/640, ISO 100, 17-50mm

With my car in the shop today I decided to set off on foot around work. I work in an industrial area, and often see discarded trash littering the area. The signs all over the road repeatedly state no dumping but for some reason the fine folks of Springfield feel the need to drop their expired goods on the doorstep of my workplace. I have to say it, “looks like HD killed the CRT star”. This TV has been tousled about the streets. I have seen it move many times (with the help of a plow or two) and just hoped it wouldn’t be picked up before I got a chance to take a shot of it. The true question is how long will it last there? Not to worry it’s not lonely, it’s brother is about 500 feet down on the other side of the road just waiting to be crushed in some land fill.

Project 365 2010 – Day 8

f32, 25 Sec, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Today started the tough part, ha, yeah that’s right it’s already getting difficult. Not so difficult that its impossible but the difficulty has begun to peak from its corner. Not really having a distinct idea of what I had in mind today was leaving me scrambling for a shot. I had a great evening with my Mother tonight sharing some stories and epic Moe’s Burritos’. When dinner was over I got the grand idea to bring my Mom along for a couple shots, after all she was the original shutter bug of the family. We found this stale, remnant of a holiday decoration in the center of the shopping mall and decided to give it a go. With a bit of experimenting with the shot and trying to make something amazing out of a late bloomer we moved on. When I got home and went through the shots this one seemed to call to me, not in its amazingness but in its process. It has my Mother in it and that alone is enough to make it the shot of the day. Thanks for taking the time to follow your flighty photo fiend son around Manchester tonight. It worked, I got what I needed!

Project 365 2010 – Day 7

f2.8, 1/200, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Well, one week down and 51 to go. This morning I was determined to capture the sunrise on my way to work. The last couple of weeks have produced some amazing sunrises/sunsets and some great inspiration. I was crossing the 91/291 connector and looked over my lonely passenger seat and saw this brilliant sunrise casting is warm glow over the cold Springfield skyline. It’s almost impossible to block the brilliant rays from flooding the lens opening, so I embraced it. What a warm morning, which I can only hope carries over to the next 6 weeks of winter…

Project 365 2010 – Day 6

f8, 1/250, ISO 100, 17-50mm

Today being a warm improvement over the weekend I figured it would be great to get out and shoot at lunch again. The sun felt great on my back as I walked around this seasonally abandoned park. There I discovered a great climbing structure. Its made of recycled materials and its geometric complexity would make any mathematician jump for joy. I really had a great time walking around my subject trying to see it from every angle. A child’s toy is an amazing way to boost color in any photograph. For some reason as we grow up we tend to move closer to earth tones, eliminating the “PoP’ in our lives. Quest to return color to you life and you might begin to realize that you see the world and others differently.

Project 365 2010 – Day 5

f10, 15 Sec, ISO 100, 17-50mm

After a fantastic day yesterday shooing an engagement session with my good friends, Jenny & Rory (see here) I was ready to shoot around the house today. The sun today was awesome and I knew that it would leave some great colors painted across the sky during its set. I really love heavy contrast photographs and while looking into the purple sky I saw this fantastic composition. The antenna tower calling to the sky’s with its Morse language, and the trees reaching towards the rich royal velvet abyss, I knew this was the photo today.

Project 365 2010 – Day 4

f2.8, 1/2000, ISO 320, 17-50mm

Jenny & Rory allowed me to share a moment with them today at the Quabbin. The weather was drab but the photos and fun were not lacking. Great day, on to the next one.

Project 365 2010 – Day 3

f15, 1/500, ISO 400, 18-270mm

With the blistering cold on my mind I was thinking of how to capture this frigid freeze we are having here in a photo. A thought came to mind of a building around the block from work. It’s old, tired, tall, strong and cold. It appears to have been a school back in the day, but does nothing more than cast shadows today over a busy school bus yard. I spent a freezing 20 min or so shooting a flock of pigeons just trying to stay out of the gail force winds. I was then sternly “spoken to” by a rather weathered man. He asked me “what are you doing here”. I don’t think he was pleased with the answer, camera in hand, “taking pictures”. “Well you need to go inside over there, and tell them that” he muttered. I was all set with that, I let him know their lack of trespassing signs, hadn’t really informed me that I wasn’t welcome, after all the pigeons seemed to really take a liking to the place, and I them. One business card exchange latter, and my head held high knowing I got a few good shots,and a new blog reader (fingers crossed) I let him know I would be on my way….On to the next one!

Project 365 2010 – Day 2

f8, 1/640, ISO 400, 17-50mm

With the weather mounting here in New England. I felt I needed to get out at lunch to maximise the light and the moment. The snow was falling hard, sleeting actually, and the wind was whipping. I had scoped this site on my way into work for years. These tracks are old but still used, moving freight through the heart of the valley, the gravel yard rumbles and the fence company has sealed itself from it all. This place is cold, quite, loud, and lonely. A perfect place to capture this moment on day two. As I make my tracks in this world, I move on to the next one…

Project 365 2010 – Day 1

f25, 25 Second Exposure, ISO 100, 17-50mm

For the first shot of the project I headed to a spot in Springfield that I have been wondering about. I discovered it about 6 months ago waiting for a Doctor’s appointment. Behind LA Fitness there is a really modern newly constructed foot bridge over the train tracks. I had a great vantage point looking back at the Springfield Skyline during rush hour traffic, the stormy sky made for a great composition. On to the next one…

Many dreams and aspirations have come and gone. I have decided to not let this one pass. This will not be simple it will not be easy but it will be completed. For those of you not familiar with a 365 Photo Blog, it is a photographers documentation of the world, daily, for one year. This causes anxiety, excitement, strategy, and a will to push the limits, it’s a Creative Diet plan for Photographers. While most diets are designed to curb an insatiable want, this is to build a desire to create and see the world differently. I look forward to exploring the world around me with you looking on. Please feel free to show interest and guidance, it can only help to make this project even more interesting. With that said ENJOY!